Colorado University Athletics
Student-Athletes Returning, Cleared To Begin Voluntary Workouts
June 11, 2020 | General
Pac-12 Set Monday, June 15 To Resume
BOULDER – University of Colorado student-athletes are in the process of returning to campus, with many already joining those who remained in town, as voluntary workouts are set to resume conference-wide this Monday, June 15, per a ruling by Pac-12 presidents and chancellors from earlier this month.
About two-thirds of CU's 338 student-athletes returned to their homes in mid-March, when cancellations ramped up along with shelter-at-home regulations and remote learning was instituted due to the COVID-19 pandemic; 40 graduated in May and a similar number of new student-athletes will arrive over the course of the summer.
Most of those student-athletes who remained in Boulder across all CU's 17's varsity programs have been tested, which started on June 1 with annual physicals. Any student-athlete starting Monday can utilize CU's facilities for their voluntary workouts, which are expected to be in place until the NCAA makes a decision later this month when organized team activities can begin.
Miguel Rueda, CU's senior associate athletic director for health and performance, has been heavily involved on the conference and national levels regarding the pandemic; in addition, one of CU's team physicians, Dr. Stephanie Chu, is on both the NCAA's Competitive Safeguards Committee and COVID-19 Working Group. Together with athletic director Rick George and other health officials, they have developed a comprehensive plan to work on a daily basis with the student-athletes, coaches and staff.
The following applies to all student-athletes as they return to campus as CU will follow the strict federal, state and local public health guidelines as well as recommendations set forth by Pac-12 Conference:
"Our number one priority has been and will remain the health and welfare of our student-athletes, coaches and staff," George said. "We are taking every precaution we can to ensure a safe return to our facilities to protect not only our athletics community, but also the campus and local Boulder communities."
Most of CU's athletic staff has been in "remote working" mode since mid-March; starting after the Fourth of July holiday, coaches and staff will be phased back to their offices on a staggered basis, with many still set to work from home until another reassessment is made when more can return.
About two-thirds of CU's 338 student-athletes returned to their homes in mid-March, when cancellations ramped up along with shelter-at-home regulations and remote learning was instituted due to the COVID-19 pandemic; 40 graduated in May and a similar number of new student-athletes will arrive over the course of the summer.
Most of those student-athletes who remained in Boulder across all CU's 17's varsity programs have been tested, which started on June 1 with annual physicals. Any student-athlete starting Monday can utilize CU's facilities for their voluntary workouts, which are expected to be in place until the NCAA makes a decision later this month when organized team activities can begin.
Miguel Rueda, CU's senior associate athletic director for health and performance, has been heavily involved on the conference and national levels regarding the pandemic; in addition, one of CU's team physicians, Dr. Stephanie Chu, is on both the NCAA's Competitive Safeguards Committee and COVID-19 Working Group. Together with athletic director Rick George and other health officials, they have developed a comprehensive plan to work on a daily basis with the student-athletes, coaches and staff.
The following applies to all student-athletes as they return to campus as CU will follow the strict federal, state and local public health guidelines as well as recommendations set forth by Pac-12 Conference:
- A seven-day quarantine for those who arrive from out-of-state before they can begin any workouts;
- Physical exams for all student-athletes, including the approximately 150 who are already in the Boulder area (many of these have already been completed);
- Covid-19 (PCR and Antibody) testing is a part of all physicals; an on-going testing program is in the process of being developed;
- Entry times are staggered and physical distancing in training rooms, locker rooms, strength and conditioning facilities and all academic areas;
- Small workout groups;
- Continuous sanitization of all facilities and equipment, both during the workouts and in-between groups;
- Temperature and symptom checks of anyone entering all athletic facilities, including all athletes, coaches and staff;
- Training Table is operating under "curbside delivery" – athletes can order breakfast and lunch from a special menu one of three ways: order online, call-in or in person – and their meals will be brought to them as no seating in the facility is currently allowed; prepacked nutritional snacks will also be available for pre- and post-workouts.;
- Limited contact with outsiders at those same facilities;
- Furniture in all common areas have been removed for the time being.
"Our number one priority has been and will remain the health and welfare of our student-athletes, coaches and staff," George said. "We are taking every precaution we can to ensure a safe return to our facilities to protect not only our athletics community, but also the campus and local Boulder communities."
Most of CU's athletic staff has been in "remote working" mode since mid-March; starting after the Fourth of July holiday, coaches and staff will be phased back to their offices on a staggered basis, with many still set to work from home until another reassessment is made when more can return.
Tuesday, June 23
Monday, June 22
Friday, June 19
Tuesday, June 02