ESU Student-Athletes Return to Practice

by Don Weast

Emporia, KS (09/14/2020) — After a pause in practices, Emporia State University has resumed all intercollegiate athletics activities following a short delay due to an abundance of caution related to COVID-19.

Most sports were allowed to return on Saturday with the remaining teams cleared on Monday.

The temporary shutdown was due in part to a lag in information reaching the Athletic Department. ESU Health Services, ESU Athletics and Lyon County Public Health have worked together to help streamline the communication channels.

During the pause, student-athletes continued to participate in team academic meetings.

"I appreciate that our student-athletes are committed to their own health and safety as well as the rest of our campus," said ESU President Allison D. Garrett. "The coaches, trainers and everyone in our Athletic Department worked hard to bring practices and other activities back for our athletes."

Student-athletes will continue to complete a daily, 11-point self-assessment. If a student-athlete tests positive, they will first need to be released by public health and then be cleared by the team physician before participating in any type of workout.