ISU Coaches and Student-Athletes Safely Gearing Up for Potential Season

Photo courtesy goredbirds.com

NORMAL, Ill. – While fall sports are currently on pause amid the pandemic, ISU athletics is doing everything they can to practice and train in a safe manner.

Teams are using this time as if there will be sports in the spring or late fall. Assistant Athletics Director Mike Williams said the proper measures are being taken during these training sessions.

“All student-athletes and coaches have been testing regularly and safety protocols have been put into place at all team practices, meetings, study sessions, etc,” said Williams. “Coaches and athletes are wearing masks when actively competing, maintaining distance as much as possible and facilities/equipment are being regularly cleaned and sanitized per state and local safety guidelines.”

Each team is practicing a bit differently in terms of weekly competition. The NCAA regulates time restrictions, in which all staff has been following as live competition looks to return for the redbirds in just a few months.

“The hope is that with no more changes due to the pandemic, our first contests of the year will begin in late November with men’s and women’s basketball,” said Williams. “The spring sports who were pushed back are all now waiting for the Missouri Valley Conference to set the conference schedules and will be working on non-conference portions of the schedule if they will be permitted for that particular sport.”

With ISU athletics taking the necessary precautions, sports for the Redbirds and the Missouri Valley Conference will have a shot to compete during the 2020-2021 season.