Flames Athletics returns to practice
Photos by Rhianna Barrow
Lee Athletics were finally able to start back up again last week, following safety guidelines, after the COVID-19 pandemic caused seasons and championships to be canceled and athletic facilities to be shut down for months.
As of Sept. 7, all athletic facilities have opened back up, and sports teams have started their Countable Athletic Related Activities conditioning practices. However, competition in all sports except cross country and golf is still postponed until Jan. 1, per the Gulf South conference decision.
In response to NCAA requirements, Lee has taken measures to keep student-athletes as safe as possible by altering how normal sports practices look. At this time, student-athletes must complete the daily health screening form before any athletic-related activity, wear a mask outside of conditioning activities, avoid any contact related drills and practice in groups no larger than 12 to 15 people.
High-risk sports teams are allowed to do strength and conditioning in groups this week. Modifications to what is permitted at practices as far as contact drills and the number of people participating goes will continue to be made as university, local, state, federal and NCAA guidelines continue to evolve.
“I’m excited about this next week,” said Lee Athletic Director Larry Carpenter. “With the athletes getting back out there and getting involved, maybe things will seem a little more like normal.”
“Our fall sports, in my opinion, are vital to starting the school year,” Carpenter said. “The games give the students something to do on evenings and weekends, and knowing we weren’t going to have that opportunity was tough to get out there.”
