Buffs Officials Solidifying Plan For June 15 Return Of CU Student-Athletes

BOULDER — University of Colorado Athletic Department officials continue to solidify plans for the return of student-athletes, who will be allowed back on campus for in-person voluntary workouts beginning June 15.

CU Athletic Director Rick George outlined plans Friday in a department-wide Zoom call

 "We're very proud of what we're doing to get student-athletes ready," George said. "I'm excited about the June 15 date."

All in-person athletic activities on college campuses across the nation were halted in mid-March because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The NCAA recently voted to allow student-athletes to return beginning June 1, and the Pac-12 followed with a decision to allow its member schools to begin welcoming student-athletes back on June 15.

Schools across the nation have started to bring their athletes back under strict protocols they believe will prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Some of the protocols and procedures to be implemented at CU will include:

— A seven-day quarantine for those who arrive from out of state before they can begin any workouts.

— Physical exams for all student-athletes, including the approximately 150 who are already in the Boulder area. George said approximately 100 student-athletes have already undergone physical exams.

— Regular Covid-19 and antibody testing.

— Small workout groups.

— Continuous sanitization of all equipment, both during the workouts and in between groups.

Also, locker rooms will not be open until July 1 at the earliest and CU facilities will also be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. Hallways, elevators and other traffic areas will be limited to small groups and other procedures will be in place to reduce contact and traffic.

The procedures and protocols have been developed under the direction of CU Athletics' medical and training staff, headed by Senior Associate AD/Health and Performance Miguel Rueda.

Meanwhile, CU will be offering carryout food service for student-athletes under the direction of Laura Anderson, the Buffs' Associate AD/Performance and Nutrition.

Also, Buffs coaches could soon be returning to their offices instead of working remotely. George has asked the head coaches to submit a plan for their return and will make sure the plans meet all CU Boulder campus guidelines.

The in-person strength and conditioning workouts will be strictly voluntary. NCAA guidelines allow for a strength and conditioning coach to be on hand for the workouts to provide advice and assistance if needed.

George also noted that he met with student-athletes on Wednesday to discuss current national events surrounding the death of George Floyd.  He also applauded the efforts of football coach Karl Dorrell and Associate AD Lance Carl for assisting football players who organized a peaceful protest march Friday morning in Boulder. The march saw an estimated 1,000 participants that included CU student-athletes, coaches and administrators; other CU students; and local citizens.

"It was really humbling to see so many people support our student-athletes," George said. "I thought it was spectacular."

George also told Athletic Department staffers that he is in the process of creating a task force to work on the issue of racism and continue to address the problem.

"We want to keep this dialogue going," George said.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu