California Baptist University’s fall athletic seasons are postponed to best protect student athletics from the rapid spread of COVID-19. However, the athletic programs have adjusted practice routines to keep the athletes ready for when their seasons resume.
Teams at CBU are trying their best to practice with the mindset that regular season will happen until the National Collegiate Athletic Association states otherwise.
Rick Rowland, head swim and dive coach, said he is thankful that his team could practice while working with COVID-19 protocols.
“We have our health and so much to be thankful for,” Rowland said. “Nationally programs are being dropped, Iowa, Boise State, East Carolina. We are blessed to have a University that funds and supports our swim and dive program. Our university and athletic training team are doing a great job with COVID protocol. Testing every few weeks. Training outside only. Making the best of no APC (Athletic Performance Center), but receiving great workouts outdoors from our strength coach. The protocols in place definitely have put everyone at ease. If you test positive or have symptoms, the school will certainly quarantine you. We will be fine.”
Rowland added that his team will be split up to compete against each other. Similarly, the goal of the CBU golf team is to keep that competitive energy for when the season starts.
“Despite there being no tournaments, our goal is to remain competitive and conditioned for the next one,” said Belle Balkan, CBU women’s golfer and sophomore health care administration major. “Our schedule looks very similar to past seasons. We still have qualifiers and tournament preparation days, as well as weekly workouts. By continuing to put the hard work in and staying focused on improving our games, we can look forward to the spring with confidence, knowing that we set ourselves up for success.”
Sports teams are closer than ever as the athletes restrict themselves from contact outside of their team. Zach Lowery, CBU water polo player and kinesiology major, said he is staying optimistic about the impact pandemic precautions have had on his team. He said the situation has allowed the team to get to know one another on more of a personal level because of how much time they spend together.
“COVID-19 has changed the way we are able to train but it really hasn’t changed our goals for the season. It has given us more time to train to achieve them,” Lowery said. “We have adjusted practices, whether that be weights or pool practice to multiple groups at the same time in order to limit contact.”
CBU’s athletic Lancers are determined to practice and stay healthy in order to be prepared when their seasons begin.
