Tennessee Tech Athletics is in for a heavier workload this semester due to last semester’s cancellations and the Coronavirus pandemic. They are scheduled to compete in not only their traditional spring sports such as baseball, softball and tennis, but also in traditional fall sports such as football, volleyball and soccer. Indoor track and field will be the only traditional spring sport that Tech will not be competing in this semester.
Mark Wilson, Tech’s Director of Athletics, is excited that the university can compete this semester, and he recognizes that health and safety is a top priority.
“Tennessee Tech Athletics is committed, first and foremost, to the health, safety and well-being of each of our student-athletes, coaches and staff members, and we are taking the necessary and proper precautions, set forth by the CDC, NCAA, Ohio Valley Conference and state of Tennessee to ensure that we move forward into the spring in a safe manner. We just encourage our fans to continue to provide their support and help everyone by wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing and taking care of their health so we can continue to move forward with spring competition,” Wilson said.
According to Mike Lehman, Tech’s Director of Sports Information, the University plans to allow fans at home sporting events, but specific details and exact capacity have not yet been determined.
“We anticipate having fans…more than likely it will be a certain percentage…football will have a reduced attendance. From what I know right now, we will still have fans allowed at baseball, softball, soccer, tennis-our traditional spectator sports… it has still not been determined what number we will allow,” Lehman said.
Lehman also stated that this semester is going to be tough on students and student athletes, but the key is being flexible and working together. He also said that the athletic department is thankful to faculty and staff and would not be able to get through this semester without their hard work.
“It’s a group effort…We’re blessed to have an incredible academic staff as well as all of the faculty and staff members at the university…There’s going to be sacrifices… The biggest portion of that is everyone being willing to dig in and help each other out,” Lehman said.
The Golden Eagles women’s and men’s basketball, cross country, tennis and volleyball teams will all be in action throughout this week. For more information, visit Tech’s sports website.
