• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Springfield’s Wittenberg University Cancels Games As Threats Mount

  • The school announced all classes would be conducted remotely.
  • The claims were amplified during last week’s presidential debate, and they led to threats in Springfield.
Springfield, Ohio police monitor the parking lot at the Premier English Evangelical Haitian Springfield, Ohio church
Syndication: The Enquirer / Imagn

One week after former President Donald Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance amplified false claims about Haitian immigrants in Ohio, threats of violence on campus forced Springfield’s Wittenberg University to cancel athletic activities for the rest of this week.

Those on campus of the small Division III liberal arts school had been on alert since last weekend when an email threat warned of an on-campus shooting Monday. As new threats were received Monday, Wittenberg announced classes would be conducted remotely and, on Tuesday, the decision was made to cancel home and away athletic contests through Sunday. 

“We recognize that this may be disruptive to the previously planned athletic contests and all participants, but we ask for understanding during this difficult time for our University and our extended community of Springfield,” the Wittenberg athletics department said in a statement to Front Office Sports. “Because a large part of our student-athlete population has chosen to go home for the duration of remote course delivery, Wittenberg coaches have been working with our athletic trainers and strength training staff members to create individual training plans for our student-athletes.”

The claims about legal Haitian immigrants eating pets—amplified by Trump at last week’s presidential debate—led to dozens of threats in the Springfield community and to evacuations and closures of schools and other government buildings. 

On Monday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said there had been “at least 33” bomb threats made, and none have had “any validity at all.”

Wittenberg said in a statement that campus police are working with Springfield police and the FBI “to thoroughly investigate any and all threats made toward our campus, employees, and students.”

The impact on Tigers’ sporting events include: 

  • The cancellation of a men’s soccer game against Earlham on Tuesday 
  • The men’s and women’s cross-country teams’ inability to compete in the All-Ohio Championships on Friday
  • The men’s tennis team will be unable to take part in the ITA Central Regional Championships on Friday to Sunday
  • Men’s and women’s golf teams were forced out of their golf tournaments Sunday and Monday 
  • The cancellation of the football team’s contest at Hiram on Saturday
  • Also on Saturday, field hockey, women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball games have been canceled 
  • A women’s soccer game Sunday has been canceled

“Our coaching staff is also currently researching other opportunities to replace the games Wittenberg will miss this week, including alternative playing options and even scrimmages,” the Wittenberg athletics department said. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NC State

NC State ‘Cardiac Pack’ Team Loses NCAA Suit for NIL Back Pay

The 1983 team was among college basketball’s greatest Cinderella stories. 

March Madness Fields Will Stay Put at 68—at Least Until 2027

NCAA tournament expansion is still on the table for 2027.
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks injured guard Damian Lillard against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.

Damian Lillard and All the NBA Players Taking College GM Roles

The All-Star was named general manager of Weber State men’s basketball Saturday.

College Sports Is ‘New Frontier’ for Private Equity

“The dam will break at some point,” a Carlyle partner told FOS.

Featured Today

Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.
August 3, 2025

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.

Three Schools Sue Mountain West, Commish Over Withheld Funds

Boise State, Colorado State, and Utah State intensified the court battle.
Stanford
August 1, 2025

John Donahoe Taking Over Stanford Sports After Rocky Nike Tenure

John Donahoe will be Stanford’s AD after a four-year stint running Nike.
May 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; The BYU Cougars against the Long Beach State 49ers at St. John Arena
August 4, 2025

Federal Judge Tells Stephen F. Austin to Reinstate Women’s Sports Teams

Schools may not be able to follow through on threats of cuts.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
NCAA Track
July 31, 2025

NIL Collectives Can Still Pay College Athletes, With Some Restrictions

NIL collectives will still play a pivotal role in recruiting.
Rutgers
July 28, 2025

Rutgers Finds New Athletic Director After Almost a Year

Rutgers’s previous athletic director, Pat Hobbs, resigned in August 2024.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Mitchell Evans (88) runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
July 25, 2025

‘More Bark Than Bite’: What Trump’s Executive Order Means for College Sports

“This all comes down to Congress and the courts.”
July 24, 2025

UNC’s Bill Belichick Brings His NFL Swagger to ACC Media Days

UNC is becoming one of the most interesting stories in college football.