Last week, CSU Director of Athletics, Joe Parker, shared a “conversational” update of the Athletics Program as it navigates the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Parker, after the initial COVID shut down in March, athletics were subject to the same health/distancing rules and restrictions as any other organization. Health care professionals have managed the Covid Testing program and protocols, not subject to any influence from those directly involved in athletics. Recording of the presentation is at https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/L4LmJa9TvANwlYqWSoZ6VLsCndGt6F3o-SlE_tUTVnlqPntvJODt4Tdm5o4zbfqi.aORyqSXQ6BeI5zO_Reiterating what president McConnell recently shared with us, overall, CSU has been remarkably successful during this challenging semester as compared with other universities. This is the result of outstanding leadership at the university level including the athletics program. The university has maintained 70% of its’ classes either as hybrid or virtually. After Fall break (mid-November) classes will finish the semester virtual only.
The first sports group to return was football (student athletes, coaches and staff). All those in the “inner bubble” get coronavirus testing 3x per week by Quest Lab PCR with a rapid turn-around time. After cancelation of the season-opening New Mexico game, the team will fly to Fresno on Wednesday afternoon for their first matchup.
The football schedule includes 8 conference games; no divisional competition and a December 19 championship, based on the teams’ won/lost percentage. As brought out in the Q&A, bowl games are still planned. The school will follow the NCAA recommendations for “resocialization” of sports. On November 25 Men’s and Women’s Basketball will start and include a “bubble” and 3x per week testing. Other sports will start in the Spring.
The Husch-Blackwell Report (investigating CSU Athletics’ handling of the COVID-19 threat and questions of racial insensitivity) was discussed. The results as published and shared by President McConnell were described as generally positive. Recommendations regarding alleged racial insensitivity are (a) to start a “diversity initiative” for race and social justice for both students and staff, (b) to establish a conduit for voicing concerns and (c) to focus on education. CSU’s issues might be thought of as a reflection of how our society is learning about and reacting to racial and social justice issues.
In the Q&A session we learned that ~380 CSU students are student athletes with 220 on scholarship. Questions about decreased revenue and athletic budget cuts were asked. Savings have occurred due to fewer travel expenses and the ability to move debt service on the new stadium into next year. Canvas Credit Union has been very supportive. Fortunately, the decrease in student enrollment (a major source of income for athletics) at CSU was held to only 4%.
We so look forward to when life (including CSU Athletics) returns to normal!