The UTM football team officially returned to the gridiron at Hardy M. Graham Stadium for the first time since the season finale last November with energy and anticipation on Wednesday evening.
After the entire spring practice segment was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Skyhawks had to wait nearly nine months to strap on their chinstraps on the fresh turf of H.K. Grantham Field. While the sights and sounds on a seasonally cool evening echoed back to camps of seasons past, the circumstances and intricacies surrounding the 2020 season were on full display. As the first day of practice normally features shorts and helmets, a new garment, orange gaiter masks, graced the necks and faces of coaches and players alike.
While the fate of the 2020 season will ultimately be dictated by an invisible foe – the coronavirus – the Skyhawks look to prepare for its new opponent with as much intensity and consideration as any Saturday matchup on the schedule.
“A season right now is at the back of my mind when it comes to the concerns of our players,” UTM head coach Jason Simpson said. “First and foremost, we are doing everything possible to build a safe environment for our players. We are making every effort possible to keep our players and staff safe, whether is it is by wearing our masks and visors or the how we conduct ourselves off the field. We have made it a priority to never [be] in the building at the same time, we have adjusted our meetings to maintain safe environments and even augmented our workout routine to split into groups of 10 or less in the weight room.”
“We have also tried to make it clear to our athletes that they are here on their own accord,” Simpson stated. “It is their decision and they know that at any time if they want to opt out, we will completely understand and support them. Our top priority is our players.”
While the team is focused on the new health and safety protocols, Wednesday’s practice gave the squad a glimpse at its true roots – the game of football.
“With everything that has been going on over the last few months, it was a great escape to be able to see the smiles on everyone’s faces come out and play this game we love,” Simpson said. “To be on the turf with our players and play a game, it was like being a little kid again.”
The Skyhawks are tentatively scheduled to conduct 11 practices prior to the first day of class on Monday, Aug. 17. Due to health and safety precautions, all UTM practices are closed to the public.
Photo Credit / Sports Information
