The Eastern Kentucky University football team is about to embark on something no other team in school history has done. The Colonels are scheduled to compete in a smorgasbord lineup of games during a pandemic.
There have been athletes testing positive for the virus. So, first year Head Coach Walt Wells says lineup changes are more likely than previous seasons. “There’s gonna be a game where one of you is gonna play that thinks does not have a chance to play right now. We may not think that. You may not think that. But, as we move forward with COVID and COVID testing and everything that’s going on with contact tracing and everything we’re learning as we move forward, you may be the guy that’s out there,” said Wells.
A number of players have opted to leave the Colonels over those concerns. Wells says he and his staff are trying to keep players safe and well. “When you’re coming back into a situation like we are you’re trying to learn and do the best that you can. I think everybody feels safe. I think we always know everybody’s got to take it upon themselves to do the things that are socially right,” noted Wells.
EKU’s current eight game schedule consists of a variety of teams, many with winning traditions. Wells calls it probably the most challenging schedule in the history of EKU football. It starts Saturday afternoon going up against Marshall in Huntington West Virginia. Kickoff is slated for 1:00.
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Central and Eastern Kentucky. To support this locally-produced content, please consider making a contribution.
