CCU football players can return to campus for workouts, setting stage for 2020 season
Coastal Carolina’s football players will be allowed to return to voluntary workouts on the campus beginning Monday, a move that sets the stage for the the 2020 football season to be played as scheduled.
The decision was made by the Coastal Carolina University administration in accordance with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control), the NCAA Resocialization of Sport Plan, Sun Belt Conference COVID-19 Panel, and the guidance of CCU’s NCAA Medical Director Dr. Winston D. McIver, Jr.
The NCAA Division I Council voted two weeks ago to allow student-athletes to return to on-campus voluntary workouts beginning June 1.
“As we adhere strictly to all re-entry phasing and protocols, I am encouraged about this first step and optimistic about the eventual start of our fall sports seasons” said CCU Director of Athletics Matt Hogue in a statement. “Our team of physicians, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning professionals have worked diligently to comprise a plan in accordance with public health protocols and contingencies with guidance from our state authorities, the NCAA, Sun Belt Conference, and our University’s reopening committee.”
CCU athletics will begin Phase I of its re-entry plan on June 8. This phase will allow designated football student-athletes to utilize on-campus weight rooms and athletic training facilities for voluntary workouts.
The students will only have access to the designated areas and will not be living in residence halls. The university said players will be monitored closely by its strength and conditioning staff and athletic training staff that have been designated as critical throughout the COVID-19 closure.
CCU will follow the NCAA’s guidelines on voluntary workouts, which restricts coaching involvement.
With the safety of student-athletes and staff remaining the main priority, the university will implement the following guidelines:
▪ Student-athletes and staff will be tested prior to the start of the voluntary workout period on June 8.
▪ Temperature and daily symptom checks will be administered to student-athletes and staff upon arrival at the facility each day.
▪ Activities will occur in managed small groups of student-athletes to achieve social distancing.
▪ Student-athlete groupings will remain consistent throughout Phase I.
▪ All equipment and facilities will be thoroughly sanitized after each group use.
▪ Student-athletes will not be permitted to share towels or water bottles.
▪ Masks will be required for student-athletes and staff at predetermined times and locations during the workout sessions.
▪ Locker room facilities will not be available for any student-athletes or staff members.
The plans are subject to change based on guidance from the State of South Carolina, DHEC, Coastal Carolina, the NCAA or the Sun Belt.
The CCU football team begins the season Sept. 5 at South Carolina.
CCU 2020 football schedule
Sept. 5 at South Carolina
Sept. 12 at Eastern Michigan
Sept. 19 vs. Duquesne
Sept. 26 vs. Kansas
Oct. 3 vs. Arkansas State
Oct. 17 at Louisiana
Oct. 24 vs. Georgia Southern
Oct. 29 at Georgia State
Nov. 7 vs. South Alabama
Nov. 14 at Troy
Nov. 21 vs. Appalachian State
Nov. 28 at Texas State
This story was originally published June 2, 2020 at 3:44 PM.
