COVID contact affects baseball and soccer teams

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The University of Dallas’ count of COVID-19 cases rose to eight active cases on the Irving campus on Oct. 14. This recent outbreak of cases has affected the men’s baseball team and the women’s soccer team.

Given the sensitive nature of discussing the coronavirus, many of the players declined to comment on how they or other members of the teams have been impacted. 

Of the two sports, contact with the coronavirus has impacted the baseball team more than the soccer team. 

According to Head Baseball Coach Erik Grafton, the baseball “players have been tested, contact tracing has been conducted and the baseball team is currently under quarantine order from the university.”

Although Grafton did not specify how many players have contracted the virus, he did add that the current situation, while tough and unprecedented, was a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe behavior to avoid spreading the virus.

This sentiment was similar to a statement from Richard Strockbine, the athletic director, who commented on the importance of coronavirus precautions: 

“The current cases will just be a reminder to all to be more vigilant about masking and distancing.”

None of the players on the women’s soccer team have contracted the virus. Although four players are currently quarantining, the rest of the team has been able to continue practicing. 

The four soccer players in quarantine all have tested negative for the coronavirus at least two times, according to Lexi Stinson, the head women’s soccer coach. 

The soccer team is looking forward to being rejoined by the players who are in quarantine, according to Stinson.

“Masking, especially for indoor sports has been a major adjustment, but all in all, I think the coaches and athletes understand the necessity of the requirements and are handling them well,” Strockbine said. “The biggest challenge is yet to come with fall sports being pushed back to the spring which means that all of our teams will be competing at pretty much the same time. It will be quite a burden on the trainers and on sports information personnel.”

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