The Impact of COVID-19 on Sports

Reported by Bryn Heikes

Photographed by Imogene Eagan

NEWBERG, Ore. - The leaders and coaches in the George Fox University (GFU) athletic program have invested time and effort to ensure student athletes have the opportunity to participate in sports despite the pandemic. Adjustments have had to be made, of course, in order to conduct practice in a safe manner.

According to the GFU athletic director, Adam Puckett, the process to create the regulations to ensure the safety of both athletes and coaches was very collaborative: “Guidelines were established in conjunction with NCAA Sports Science Institute, Oregon Health Authority guidance, the Northwest Conference sports medicine team and our University physicians from OHSU and Legacy Health system along with our certified athletic trainers.”

GFU track. Photographed by Imogene Eagan

A few of these established guidelines include a mandatory daily health screening for athletes, required face masks for all indoor activities, and routine weight room disinfecting. Coaches have been asked to use electronic whistles to avoid the spray of droplets and ensure facemasks remain on. (A more in depth outline of regulations can be found here.)

Despite these restrictions, senior volleyball player Sophia Lawrence maintains a positive outlook on the situation. “I am so excited that we get to practice in general!” she said. “I love how willing the team is to keep each other safe.”

As far as competitions go, this year will look different than past years. The Northwest Conference maintains that all fall sports seasons will be postponed until the spring, where they will have modified seasons. As a result, many teams have shifted their focus to preparing to compete later in the year.

Chris Casey, Head Football Coach, shared what the football team is hoping to accomplish this fall. “We are trying to build a strength-speed-conditioning base and work specifically on football fundamentals, technique, assignments, and scheme, as well as build togetherness through team building activities,” he said.

The overall goal is to prepare for competing next semester. Again, despite the significant changes, Casey said the attitude has remained positive. “There hasn’t been one complaint, excuse, or poor attitude by any player or coach a single time this season.”

Looking forward, GFU fans can expect an action-packed second semester, COVID permitting. At this point, in-person spectating is unlikely due to Oregon State guidelines, says Puckett. However, all sports will be live-streamed, which means you can still get involved in George Fox Athletics.