The California Collegiate Athletic Association will announce Dec. 12 whether athletics can participate in physical activity beginning January 2021, prompting eagerness among CPP’s student-athletes to return to campus and resume practicing with their teams.
While the coronavirus pandemic continues to leave many questions unanswered for college sports, there is hope for CPP athletics to return in January to start practicing in small groups with new precautions and safety measures in place.
Sophomore track and field sprinter Analexis Glaude has been training four days a week to stay in shape for the possibility of returning to competition. Glaude is anxious to hear what the CCAA will announce in December but is hopeful for the Broncos to return to campus.
“I believe with the right safety precautions it can be safe to come back in the spring,” Glaude said. “We should have mandatory mask wearing at practices and regular testing, along with a thorough sanitation system for the weight room. Athletics are important to athletes in terms of mental health, so I think going back with safety procedures will really benefit a lot of athletes.”
Glaude remains confident that she will be back with her teammates on the track in a few months for her sophomore season.
Sophomore women’s basketball guard Ayah League is also optimistic through these difficult times for student-athletes.
“I think it is safe to come back in the spring as long as athletes are following the guidelines and staying safe,” League said. “With Division I schools competing right now with precautions and gaining success, I think it gives a lot of hope for our conference to allow student-athletes to start practicing in January.”
Many NCAA Division I schools nationwide are currently playing under strict regulations.
Katrina Jensen, a freshman volleyball player at Boston College is currently competing at the Division I level in the Atlantic Coast Conference under health and safety measures. Jensen is required to wear a mask during competition and no fans are allowed to attend her games.
“At the end of the day it is a blessing we can play during a pandemic,” Jensen said. “Our regulations require getting tested three times a week for COVID-19 with three negative tests to travel or play with no symptoms. If a player tests positive and they are rooming with a player on the team then both of the players have to quarantine for 14 days.”
So far, the precautions mandated by the NCAA have been successful for many college teams competing this fall. CPP athletics are optimistic the regulations and safety measures being held with Division I schools will allow Division II schools to begin practicing in the spring.
The CCAA is currently discussing a plan for return to competition for all sports with the right safety measures for student-athletes to potentially compete in the spring.
Nov. 3 Update: This article previously stated the CCAA would announce their decision on spring sports returning in 2021 by the end of October. The CCAA has postponed the announcement to Nov. 12.
Nov. 5 Update: This article previously stated the CCAA would announce their decision on spring sports returning in 2021 on Nov. 12. The CCAA has postponed the announcement to Dec. 12.