Track is Coming Back
posted by Shania Ingram | August 28, 2020 | In News, SportsFayetteville State University’s women’s track and field team is anticipating the resumption of practice sessions this upcoming week of September 1.
Due to the outbreak of COVID -19 in March, the young, but reputable team was unable to follow up with a third CIAA championship title. After successfully defending its cross-country and indoor track titles, athletes were abruptly informed that their outdoor season was cancelled. After several months of quarantine and at-home workouts, the team will start the journey again.
Inez Turner, former Jamaican Olympian and current head coach of the team, was asked how the pandemic affected recruitment and preparation for the upcoming season. “It didn’t affect anything in terms of recruiting. Because of the caliber of our athletes the team was always recruiting for itself,” she stated. “As for preparation, we are always one step ahead of everything. Also, the CIAA is pushing back competitions, so I am confident we’ll make up for lost time.”
Fayetteville State University, along with other schools in UNC system, has confirmed cases of the COVID-19. This is a major concern for students, especially those who dread transitioning back to strictly online courses.
When questioned about the adjustments and precautions that will be taken for the safety of track athletes, Coach Turner said: “Before any of our athletes return to practice, they must be tested. No more than ten athletes will be hosted at each session at a time.”
Shanae Ingram, a junior and one of the team’s captains, is not tentative about resuming practice amid the virus. “Well I feel pretty safe. We can maintain a certain level of distance while at practice because it is like social distancing done inside the cafeteria or classrooms,” Ingram said.
However, as any other student, Ingram found the news of increased COVID-19 cases very disturbing. “I am just a bit concerned that FSU might face the threat of being on lockdown.”
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