The Lakeland College Rustlers women's basketball team has officially forfeited its season.
News of the forfeiture came in a Jan. 10 press release from Lakeland College. The release stated a letter was submitted to the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) indicating the team will not complete the remainder of the season.
Unnamed sources have indicated the aforementioned letter is known as manifest hardship. As per ACAC Operating Code, manifest hardship indicates an institution cannot meet schedule commitments due to an act of God or circumstances beyond its control.
ACAC operating code also states "Teams defaulting/forfeiting may be subject to a fine of up to $500 per occurrence and/or suspension in that sport for the balance of that year’s schedule and/or the following year’s schedule."
For an institution to be reinstated into the ACAC following an absence due to manifest hardship, the athletic director must apply for such with supporting documents. Such documents include a list of program commitments and a letter from the institution's president.
The institution also must pay a $1,000 reinstatement bond which is refunded if all contractual obligations are met.
The forfeiture comes after the Dec. 5, 2024 firing of long-time championship coach, Chris King.
King's players refused to play for the college after he was put on administrative leave on Nov. 28, 2024.
In the release, Lakeland College stated they will honour the athlete's second-semester scholarships.
The release also stated the college hopes to find a new head coach in place before February to begin recruiting for next season.
"Lakeland will apply to the ACAC for reinstatement of the women's basketball program for the 2025-26 season."
Read more: Rustlers players speak on coach’s firing
Locally owned and community driven, the Lloydminster Meridian Source is the online news source in the Border City. Whether it’s breaking news, features or sports, if you have questions about what’s going on around town, Source it with us.
Since online platforms no longer support the sharing of news, we encourage you to bookmark meridiansource.ca. Whether you’re having a coffee or enjoying a meal, check in any time for the most up-to-date news in Lloydminster.
