To help offset a projected $2 million loss in revenue during the pandemic, the SIU-Carbondale athletics department is launching the Saluki Athletics COVID-19 Relief Fund to help the athletics department navigate the financial ramifications of the public health crisis.
In a recorded video message, Director of Athletics Liz Jarnigan said the added protocols to keep student-athletes, coaches and staff safe have brought with them significant costs.
"For example, as part of our conference and NCAA mandates, we've had to purchase COVID-19 tests and analyzers for several of our teams to perform required testing while on the road. This is in addition to the regular COVID testing we've been doing and will continue to be doing to ensure to the best of our ability that our student-athletes and coaching staffs are not participating while infected with the virus."
Jarnigan said the projected $2 million shortfall is also due to a 60-percent decrease in funds from the NCAA; the loss of ticket and concession revenue without fans in attendance and a decrease in scholarship donations.
For more information on the Saluki COVID-19 Relief Fund, click here.
