GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College has announced plans to focus on the development of its football program and not participate in the condensed competitive season, scheduled by the Presidents’ Athletic Conference in late March and April. The Tomcats will return to competitive play in fall 2021.
COVID-19 has presented numerous challenges to colleges across the country, not the least of which has been the impact on athletic programs. With the health and safety of its players, coaches and staff being top priority, the Thiel College football program recently made the decision to concentrate on program and team development, looking forward to participation in a full season of competitive play next fall.
Thiel’s Director of Athletics Amy Schafer and football coach Mike Winslow are supporting the players, both academically and developmentally, and in the program overall. They are optimistic that this approach will result in a stronger program in the fall.
“We believe this is the best decision for the long-term growth of the program,” Winslow said. “Our priority is program development, both on and off the field this spring as we prepare for the fall 2021 season.”
Schafer emphasized that the decision applies only to the football program. Thiel College remains fully committed to all 23 of its NCAA Division III athletic programs, as well as the PAC’s planning for spring athletics competition.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.