In the wake of Thursday’s tragedy, NIU athletics will join the rest of the university in observing a week of healing.

A total of 25 athletic competitions will be canceled between Friday, Feb. 15, and Monday, Feb. 25.

“At a time like this, it is critically important for us to focus on coming together as a university to overcome this terrible tragedy,” NIU athletic director Jim Phillips said. “To be certain, the welfare of our student-athletes is uppermost in the minds of our coaches and staff.”

The cancellations include men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, women’s gymnastics, and men’s and women’s tennis. NIU will work with opposing schools to reschedule events.

The first event for NIU athletics will be Monday, Feb. 25, when the NIU men’s golf team opens up their season at the Wexford Plantation Intercollegiate in Hilton Head, S.C.

The Huskies’ first home contest will be when the women’s basketball team hosts Western Michigan at the Convocation Center on Wednesday, Feb 27, at 7 p.m.