Listen Here
By: Collin Frazier
frazierc@findlay.edu
@Collin_53
Oilers should expect masks and social distancing for the rest of the semester
With the many sporting events going on at the University of Findlay this spring, including some fall sports that were moved to the spring, students, fans, and supporters alike are looking forward to cheering on their Oilers to victory. However, although vaccines are finally available to the majority of Ohioans, COVID-19 is not going anywhere.
UF Athletic Director Brandi Laurita and the rest of the athletic department have established a policy regarding spring spectators: sporting events will allow only 30% capacity, with masks and social distancing required. Laurita said via email this decision will benefit fans while keeping them safe.
“This was a unanimous decision as it has been our goal to be able to have spectators as soon as we possibly can,” Laurita said. “With outdoor events, we are able to have fans with social distancing and masking and still mitigate the spread risk.”
With every school in the G-MAC varying in population, there is no one true policy that suits every school. Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, is the largest school in the association, with more than 4,000 undergraduates attending the 2020-2021 semesters.
“Each G-MAC school must follow local regulations and institutional policy so each university’s policy is different,” Laurita stated.
With COVID-19 vaccines rolling out, full capacity may not seem like a pipe dream, as the current policy has some flexibility.
“We will continue to monitor state and local health orders and adjust the fan attendance policies and make changes to restrictions as it is allowable,” Laurita explained.
Laurita then expressed her gratitude for the support the athletes have received during these tough times.
“I just want to say thank you to the students who have come out to support our student-athletes at our outdoor events,” Laurita said.
Featured photo: FieldTurf Revolution 360
