BUFFALO, N.Y. [WKBW] — On Monday, UB announced their phased plan for student athletes to begin voluntary workouts on campus. The announcement comes following the University at Buffalo's plan for students to return to campus in the fall.
UB plans to follow the NCAA Resocialization Plan, which implements federal guidelines.
"We are excited to welcome our student-athletes back to campus," Athletic Director Mark Alnutt said in a statement. "While we look forward to their return, we want to make sure we follow all the proper guidelines and protocol to ensure their health and safety. We are confident that by following the plan in place we can keep our student-athletes safe while they prepare for their upcoming seasons."
UB Athletics Puts Phased Plan in Place to Welcome Student-Athletes Back to Campus #UBhornsUP https://t.co/Jn1ncLpMYP
— UB Athletics (@UBAthletics) June 15, 2020
In phase one, groups of only 10 players will be allowed to workout with each other. During phase two, groups of less than 50 will be able to workout together and practice limited drills without contact. After two weeks in phase two, phase three will begin which will allow workouts, routes, and drill techniques.
Football players will be the first to return and will come back to campus periodically. Starting this week, local student athletes and players already living on campus will be able to begin workouts. On June 22, out of town students will be welcomed back to campus for workouts. On July 6, freshman and walk-ons will begin their workouts. Athletes from other sports will also be allowed back on campus to begin working out on July 6.
"I'm proud of the way our student-athletes have handled themselves during these unusual and difficult times and I'm looking forward to having them back on campus," head coach Lance Leipold added. "As we move forward, the health and safety of our student-athletes and staff will continue to be our top priority."
