Since returning to campus this fall, student athletes have been able to work out on their own, but without coach participation. 

Athlete’s have been allowed to have captain’s practices without the presence of coaches. These practices are not mandatory, but they are strongly encouraged by coaches. If athletes are practicing or working out, then masks must be worn at all times. 

For a safe return to sports on the Hill, testing our student athletes will become a key component. According to Associate Athletic Director of Compliance Chad LeBlanc, “in order for a coach to be able to work with student-athletes, we need to follow in-season testing standards which would be: surveillance testing of 25%-50% of athletes and “inner bubble” personnel every two weeks if physical distancing, masking and other protective features are not maintained, plus additional testing for symptomatic and high contact risk individuals.  As well as symptomatic testing and high-contact risk testing as appropriate.” 

Higher-risk sports such as indoor volleyball, basketball and baseball would need “testing of all athletes, plus “inner bubble” personnel for whom physical distancing, masking and other protective features are not maintained, and additional testing for symptomatic and high contact risk individuals”, said LeBlanc. 

With sports on hold, college athletes are frustrated with not being able to workout and use the facilities as they would normally be allowed to. Collegiate athletes are wishing that things could go back to normal and cannot wait for this pandemic to be over to be able to play the sport that they love.

Many people on campus cherish and enjoy going to Spring Hill College sporting events. As for the athletes, players strive to play the game of their dreams and have worked so hard to get where they are today. 

Sidney Spivey is a senior soccer player and has been on the women’s soccer team since her freshman year. Speaking on her experience about what it means to play sports here at Spring Hill, Spivey said, “I have always dreamed about playing a sport in college, and, when I was given the opportunity to play here at the Hill, I was super pumped and couldn’t wait to be here. I love the atmosphere here and how my team feels like family.”  

SHC baseball player Grant Atwood said, “I love baseball and have played it my whole life. I love all the guys that are on the team and have had a connection with them since I first started here.” When asked about the guidelines this year, Atwood said, “It’s different not being able to workout on the field or with my teammates, but I know that they are trying their best to help us have a season in the spring.” 

At a press conference last week, SHC President Dr. Joseph Lee touched a little bit on sports, and hopes that athletes will be able to play in the spring. President Lee said, “Athletics has been the biggest moving target. Going way back in the spring when the sports were canceled.” As for this fall, “Sports are a work in progress. We haven’t made the decision yet- we are following the lead of others.”

For more information about Spring Hill Badger sports and COVID-19 please visit https://shcbadgers.com