The Return of College Sports
Bobby Smith '22 Staff Writer
After being cancelled in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among fans and players, college sports are returning. Earlier this year, professional sports such as baseball and football were allowed to continue with regulations in place to stop the spread of the virus. College sports are the next step. Colleges have begun practicing winter sports like football, basketball and more. Already, UMBC has played 30 games of Men’s Basketball, winning 14, and won 10 out of the 27 games of Women’s Basketball. According to Howard girls varsity basketball member Gabby Scott, “They are taking it day by day to see when spring sports will be able to practice and play games.” To reduce the spread of COVID-19, fans will not be allowed in the bleachers to watch the games in person. However, the games will be filmed and posted online for fans to watch at home. College team members are also getting tested for COVID-19 and wearing masks during practice. Scott also said, “Depending on if the cases rise or not, this will determine how their season will play out.”
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The bleachers are filled with cardboard cutouts to compensate for the lack of fans at the games. (College Basketball: Dec 01 Oakland at Purdue, Getty Images)
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Coach Hannon, the Head Varsity Football Coach at Howard, provided similar information. He states that football and basketball will “certainly give it a try,” but “sports such as wrestling may not get off the ground.” Coach Hannon also noted that basketball may occur during its normal season, without fans, and that football — since games are held outside — will have limited fans present. He says, “Colleges have more resources and flexibility than high schools,” especially considering that “TV money will help the larger schools play their entire season.” These larger schools also “have the resources for more rapid testing of the virus for athletes and coaches.” Coach Hannon ended by saying, “This is an ongoing battle — our opponent doesn't get tired, hungry or have difficulty traveling... We need a vaccine to properly stop the spread of COVID-19.”