Decision was made to protect the health and safety of Grinnell’s student-athletes
GRINNELL, Iowa — Grinnell College today announced its decision to withdraw the football team from competitive play to protect the health and safety of its student-athletes. Team members have received numerous injuries this season, leaving 28 players on the 39-member roster healthy and qualified for play in the Midwest Conference.
This decision is in line with the Athletic Department’s mission, which states that student-athletes benefit from an integrated, co-curricular experience that upholds the academic mission of the college as the department provides individualized and group instruction in a safe environment, celebrates academic excellence, and emphasizes experiential learning. The current state of the football team precludes the college from providing a safe environment.
“Grinnell College is unwilling to compromise the health and safety of its players, including the 11 players, who over the course of the first seven weeks of practice and play, will miss some or all of the season,” said Andy Hamilton, director of athletics and recreation and a 1985 Grinnell College graduate.
Grinnell has compiled a 0-3 record in the Midwest Conference. The seven remaining season games will be forfeited during the suspension, beginning with the Oct. 5 game against St. Norbert College.
