Javelinas resume normal practice schedules
The Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) student athletes are set to make their return to the playing fields in the upcoming week.
After two weeks off, head coaches and athletes are anxious to begin practice and resume their regular schedules. This being true for many
teams including football, basketball, track and volleyball.
Larissa Sanchez-Gonzalez, senior track standout, said she can only
hope for the best but prepare for the worst. “This season is my last year to compete for the blue and gold,” Sanchez-Gonzalez said.
“I am fortunate that I was given the opportunity to compete with cross country this fall. My excitement is now focused on track season, both indoor and outdoor. COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties this year, I can only wish to see the light of a track meet this spring.”
The Javelina basketball program continues to take the necessary precautions to remain COVID free. Both men and women will resume their conditioning after testing has taken place.
Jayde Tschritter, freshman guard, said her first year has been tossed
back and forth. “It is hard to face the reality of the world these days, especially as both a student and an athlete,” Tschritter said.
“As an athlete I am clearly very anxious and prepared to return back to the court. Our team has done an excellent job of bouncing back. It is hard to accept the truth of not knowing when everything will return to normal. We could begin practice this week and get cancelled the next. It is a risky decision.”
Ja Robertson, basketball athlete, said it is a tough year all around.
“It’s like we are at step one all over again, but this is what happened and nobody to blame,” Robertson said. “I’m just happy it’s happening now instead of the season. Although we had 14 days off, I would say our team is still in really great shape.”
Football players will also tackle this upcoming week as they prepare to take the field after their own two-week setback.
Marco Noriega, linebacker for the Javelinas, said the past few weeks have been bland with no football action.
“The past few weeks have given us all a chance to work on our own bodies. Staying in shape, eating right and preparing for the day we get to return back to the turf,” Noriega said. “It is important our team bounces back quick, as the season is approaching slowly.”
Athletic staff members and coaches understand with the return of practices being days away, social distancing and CDC guidelines will be strongly enforced.
Arturo Cedillo, athletic trainer, said the rules in the training room will remain as normal but will hold athletes to a higher standard.
“All we can do is practice proper safety guidelines,” Cedillo said. “Athletes understand that as they return to practice, they will need to place an appointment to be allowed inside the training room. We will do our best to serve them, as we expect the same respect from them.”
Practicing schedules will resume this upcoming week, in hopes of remaining consistent throughout the months leading to spring competition.
Athletes will be expected to resume following CDC guidelines with daily temperature and oxygen level checks every morning before all practices or conditioning sessions. As well as wearing masks at all times during practice.