WHITEFISH -- Frontier Conference sports fans won't have to wait until spring to see their favorite teams in action.
Following a Friday video conference between Frontier officials and the league's council of presidents (COP), the Frontier Conference announced it is moving forward with fall athletics in the sports of football, cross country and golf.
A decision regarding volleyball will be made at a later date.
"These decisions were made with health and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, administrators and sports communities being placed as a top priority," read a statement from the Frontier. "School administration and safety teams are working hand-in-hand with local community health departments in our various communities, along with keeping up-to-date with the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines that are being sent out from the national office regarding the COVID-19 pandemic."
"The Frontier Conference will continue to closely monitor and adjust as necessary to protect the health and safety of all involved in our athletic programs," the release continued.
The league plans to conduct an eight-game, round robin football conference schedule between its five Montana members, after the three out-of-state teams -- College of Idaho, Eastern Oregon and Southern Oregon -- postponed their seasons until at least November.
The practice and contest start dates remain the same -- Aug. 15 for the beginning of practices, and Sept. 12 for the start of games. Dates are subject to change as recommended by local health officials. The Frontier Conference will plan to compete in the championship playoffs, which the NAIA announced Friday morning will be conducted in the spring.
The Frontier Conference will continue as planned with its cross country meets, including the league championships, which are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6 at MSU-Northern in Havre.
Practices will be allowed to begin Aug. 15, while competition can begin on Sept. 5.
The league's golf teams will also conduct activities in the fall, with the conference tournament resuming as previously scheduled in the spring. The NAIA national tournament is also held in the spring.
Volleyball was the lone sport not to receive a final recommendation by the Frontier COP. Friday's release stated "the Frontier Conference is still discussing schedule options," in the sport. The NAIA announced the national volleyball championships will be conducted in the spring, and the Frontier COP plans to release further information regarding the sport at a future date.
Dates and schedules are subject to change for all of the Frontier's fall events, as dictated by local and state health officials.
