Cal Poly Pomona’s sports teams are not practicing together this summer or during the fall due to safety measures associated with COVID-19. This adheres to the California Collegiate Athletic Association’s (CCAA) May 12 announcement that sports teams cannot come back to campus to practice with their teams in the fall.
The CPP baseball team and both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are, however, remaining active at home to stay in shape for their upcoming season.
Women’s basketball head coach Danelle Bishop conducts Zoom calls with her players every other week to stay connected through these challenging times. She gave her players summer workout plans to complete every day to stay active.
“Our ultimate goal is to keep our student-athletes safe and healthy,” Bishop said. “We want to get our athletes back in the gym, but we have to be patient.” We are going off what our compliance is saying, and our department is coming up with a plan for when student-athletes can come back to campus to practice.”
Bishop is excited for school to start so she can virtually coach her players on last season’s film of their games and go over plays.
Each team at CPP has a course associated with their sport that will be virtually taught by their coaches this upcoming fall. Student-athletes receive two units that count towards their degree if they pass the class. Athletes will be instructed by their coaches to watch previous seasons’ film of their games to prepare for their season.
Men’s basketball is eager to get back in the gym as well. They had a strong season last year with an overall record of 23-7. Senior guard BJ Standley has been practicing at home with his friends to stay in shape. He plays pickup ball at the park every week to continue developing his skills.
“Due to COVID-19, our team is not practicing together and will not be practicing for a while,” Standley said. “It is unfortunate, but our team stays in contact relatively often. We hold Zoom meetings every other week on Tuesdays. It’s nice to see everyone and get updates on school and our season.”
The CPP baseball team did not get to finish their season last spring and will not be able to practice in the fall. Nonetheless, the team is staying positive and hopes to compete in the spring.
The seniors from last season have an option to take another year of NCAA eligibility to finish off their baseball career. This will allow them to finish their career with an opportunity to compete for the championship and further their education.
Junior pitcher Drew Atherton communicates with his team biweekly through Zoom meetings. He appreciates the small amount of time he can see his teammates virtually and cannot wait to be back on the field.
“Our weight room coach Chase Sanders sends us monthly bodyweight workouts that we can do at home without needing any actual equipment, which has been very helpful,” Atherton said.
Atherton has not let the pandemic prevent him from staying in shape. He has been working out every day and practices three times a week with his teammate at a park.
The CCAA is currently formulating a plan to return for competition in the spring once they determine it is safe for student-athletes to compete.
