On Thursday, Lindenwood athletics announced that the football program will opt out of the 2021 spring season.
 
The Lions were set to open the three-game schedule on April 3.  The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) announced back in October the format for the 2021 spring schedule. The schedule featured several new elements, including a season-opening countable scrimmage, divisional play, and the league's first-ever GLVC Championship game – all of which were implemented to ensure the league's safe return to competition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
"Due to injuries at critical positions, we believe it is in the best interest of our football program and student-athletes to engage in a traditional spring practice schedule and focus on preparations for the fall season", said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Brad Wachler.  "With a majority of the 2019 team returning to campus in the fall, I am looking forward to an outstanding 2021 season for the Lindenwood football program."
 
"After not being able to play in the fall, it was tough conversation with the team," said head coach Jed Stugart.  "Out of concern of the health and well-being of our student-athletes, we felt this was the best decision for our program at this time."
 
The 2019 Lindenwood football team put together one of the best seasons in school history, and possibly the best season since joining the NCAA.  The Lions started the season with a 1-3 record, including a one-point loss to No. 16 Midwestern State in the home opener.  Lindenwood responded with seven-straight victories to close out the regular season, and captured the 2019 GLVC Championship in its first year in the league.  After a perfect conference season, the Lions advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the first time in school history.  Many opinions outside the Lindenwood community doubted the team heading into the first round, but the Lions proved they belong.
 
Lindenwood won its first game of the playoffs, upsetting No. 5 Ouachita Baptist on the road.  The Lions closed out the season with a 9-4 record, including a perfect 7-0 mark inside the GLVC.  Lindenwood set four school records over the course of the season, while breaking one game record.  The Lions rewrote four individual game records and 12 individual season records during the 2019 campaign.  Head coach Jed Stugart earned GLVC Coach of the Year, while Cade Brister (offense) and Drew Seers (defense) garnered GLVC Player of the Year honors.  Lindenwood claimed a total of 15 all-conference spots, along with 10 GLVC Player of the Week accolades.
 
The Lions will open the 2021 season on September 2 in St. Charles, Mo.  Lindenwood will release the complete schedule at a later date.