Richard Bland College athletics are down, but not out.

The public junior college near Petersburg has suspended all athletics for the 2020-21 school year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the school has every intention of bouncing back in 2021-22.

“With the coaches we have, and the facilities we have, there is no doubt that we can come back next year,” said Scott Newton, RBC’s athletic director. “I’m not worried about it at all.”

Newton, who also serves as the women’s volleyball coach, said that all head coaches will be retained on staff and athletes will be allowed to train in school facilities.

However, any athlete wishing to transfer will be granted a release.

Newton said about 20 percent of RBC students are involved with intercollegiate athletics.

A member of Region 10 of the National Junior College Athletic Association, RBC fields men’s and women’s basketball teams, men’s and women’s soccer teams, as well as women’s beach volleyball and softball squads.

RBC became the second NJCAA school to suspend athletics in Virginia. Earlier this month, Northern Virginia Community College made the same decision.