Dear Laker Nation,
 
By now, I'm sure you've heard the news about the NCAA and Peach Belt Conference cancelling both winter championships and the spring sports season. As you can imagine, the news certainly was a shock to everyone here at Clayton State Athletics, especially our student-athletes. I can't imagine how difficult it was for the NCAA and PBC Board of Directors to make a decision like this, but I do know they had the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, and fans in mind.
 
Although our season is over, I think it's important we reflect back on the amazing year Clayton State Athletics had and not let this difficult news define our experience. I am beyond proud of all our student-athletes, coaches, and staff for what they have done for our programs over the past  eight months. They have worked extremely hard, putting in early mornings, late nights, and many weekends ensuring our programs were among the best in the nation.
 
Looking back, we had some incredible sports seasons, moments, experiences, and memories. Our teams made appearances in the Top 25, we crowned All-Americans, Coaches of the Year, Players of the Year, numerous PBC Players of the Week, National Players of the Week, and earned many additional team and individual awards. We set several program records and earned program firsts in the areas of competition, academic success, community engagement, and student-athlete accomplishments.
 
Personally, it's difficult to pick a favorite moment. Perhaps it's our women's soccer team making a magical run in the PBC Tournament, coming ever so close to upsetting the No. 3 team in the nation for the PBC title in double overtime. Or, our men's soccer team having an incredible year taking home almost every PBC honor imaginable. Our cross country teams going all out to compete for a conference title. Or, our women's basketball team closing the season on an 11-game win streak, beating the No. 13 team in the country on senior day and making the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Tournament.
 
Men's basketball finishing their season strong and achieving a big win during Homecoming. Our track and field programs shattering existing program records and becoming a force to reckon with in the Southeast Region. Our men's golf team routinely finishing ahead of Top-10 teams in their first few spring tournaments and off to one of best starts in program history. Last, but certainly not least, our cheerleading team rooting everyone on along the way.
 
Also, who can forget the remarkable achievements off the playing field. Clayton State student-athletes continued to excel in the classroom and set program records for Grade Point Average (GPA). They also continued their great work in the local community, ranking in the top five in NCAA DII in logged community hours.
 
Our student-athletes continue to amaze us with their outstanding leadership qualities. I am certain they will not let this cancellation disrupt the goals and objectives they and their teams have established. I have no doubt our teams will rally around each other and become even stronger.
 
On behalf of everyone here at Clayton State Athletics, we would like to say thank you for your support this year. Thank you for choosing to be a part of our program, and most importantly, thank you for supporting our amazing student-athletes. Personally, I am incredibly grateful and proud to be serving as the Director of Athletics for the Lakers and excited for what the future holds for our teams.
 
The 2019-20 season was filled with great memories and accomplishments, but I know the 2020-21 season will be the best year yet for the Lakers!
 
Wishing everyone good health during this challenging time. GO LAKERS!
 
Respectfully,
 
Ryan Erlacher
Director of Athletics