Colleges across the U.S. are adjusting athletic schedules and guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here’s what we know about University of Idaho fall sports.
General information
- Upon arriving in Moscow, each student must self-isolate for five days, Athletic Director Terry Gawlik said during the most recent edition of Cup of Joe.
- Afterwards, students are tested for COVID-19 and if the results are negative, they may begin working out.
- Traditional practices have yet to begin for any sport, but student athletes can work out with a strength and conditioning coach in voluntary workouts, Director of Athletic Communications Joe St. Pierre said.
- Students must wear a mask, answer a series of health-related questions and have their temperature checked when entering the Kibbie Dome.
- Only ten students or fewer are allowed in the weight room at any time, Gawlik said. Afterwards, the room is sanitized to prepare for the next group of students.
- Standard fall camps will likely begin in August.
- The deadline for the remainder of fall sports decisions is continuously moving, Gawlik said, but “we’re running out of time, though. Something’s got to give here shortly.”
- From what Gawlik is aware of, most conferences and institutions which have not moved to spring play are still preparing athletes if it is safe to do so.
- Moving games, meets and other competitions can impact bowls, NCAA play and postseason possibilities, so adjusting schedules can be difficult.
Football
- 72 players are currently back on campus, according to Gawlik.
- Cancelled games: Sept. 5 vs. Western Oregon, Sept. 19 at Washington State
- Nine scheduled games, four are home games
- Annual Football Kickoff event will be conducted remotely July 23 and 24.
- Capacity in the Kibbie dome will be limited to 5,100 fans for the fall season.
- All tickets will be reserved seating reflecting a new seating chart.
- The new seating arrangement allows for more physical distance between fans.
- When the Kibbie Dome returns to full capacity, season ticket holders will have the option to change their seat location.
- Ticket holders will be given the option to credit 2020 season payments to the 2021 season, donate 2020 season payments to the Vandal Scholarship Fund or receive a full refund of 2020 season payments should changes to the schedule impact the number or dates of home games.
- Masks are required inside the Kibbie Dome and temperature checks will be taken when entering the building.
Women’s Soccer
- Players returned the week of July 13, according to Gawlik
- Cancelled games: Aug. 14 at University of Washington, Aug. 27 at Oregon State University, Sept. 10 vs. University of Oregon
- 17 scheduled games, eight are home games
- The regular season champion will earn the league’s bid to the NCAA Tournament because the conference tournament has been dropped, St. Pierre stated.
- President’s Council approved not holding a 2020 Big Sky Championship due to COVID-19-related budget cuts.
Volleyball
- Players returned the week of July 13, according to Gawlik
- No cancelled games on the calendar
- 16 scheduled games, eight are home games
- Last year, the Big Sky Conference hosted 18 games.
- The team will play eight opponents in back to back games over eight weeks.
- Only the top four teams in the Big Sky will advance to the postseason tournament Nov. 24 and 25 at the University of Northern Colorado.
- In previous years, the top eight would advance to this tournament, St. Pierre said.
- Season ticket renewals began June 15 and season ticket sales began June 22. Single game tickets could be purchased beginning July 13.
- Only $100 VSF donors will receive parking passes with season ticket purchases this year.
Track and Field/Cross Country
- No cancelled meets on the calendar
- Six scheduled meets, none at home
- Idaho State University will serve as the 2021 Indoor Track and Field championship site for the second year in a row.
- Weber State, originally scheduled to host the 2020 Outdoor Track and Field championships, will host the 2021 event instead.
All sports schedules are available on the Vandal Athletics website.
Alexis Van Horn can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @AlexisRVanHorn