Eastern Kentucky University’s football team is still looking for its first win after opening this unusual season with two losses, the most recent Saturday against West Virginia.
But, EKU Athletics Director Matt Roan is convinced fall ball is the way to go. He told the school’s board of regents last week playing now is the most responsible option when considering the health of student-athletes. “It is the most responsible for us when you consider the effectiveness for us to be able to provide services to all 16 of our varsity division one programs,” said Roan.
The Ohio Valley Conference recommended league schools move to a spring schedule. Some university athletics officials have argued spring season followed by a fall schedule could lead to an increase in injuries.
The Colonels first home game is schedule October tenth against Central Arkansas. Roan told the board a request has gone to the governor to hold 25% capacity in Roy Kidd Stadium. “We do not have a capacity problem. If you look at our actual attendance the last few years, 42 hundred seats is good number for us, it’s a solid number. It allows us to have at 1000 student tickets reserved,” explained Roan.
Roan said all season-ticket holders can be assured of a seat. The Colonel AD said football players undergo three weekly COVID-19 tests. He noted the positivity rate is around 1%. Saturday EKU fell to West Virginia 56 to ten.?
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