UFV, like all major universities, has had to make some difficult decisions regarding program coordination and protocol in the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Steve Tuckwood, UFV’s director of athletics and campus recreation, was able to answer some questions regarding UFV’s changes to its athletic department.
In general, how has COVID-19 impacted UFV athletics and campus recreation?
The direct impact is that students and student athletes have not [been] able to use the gymnasium facilities over the past couple of weeks. Exercise and competition are two things that many of us thrive on, and not having a good outlet, whether it be intramurals, drop-in sports, or team practice, everyone is finding it challenging to stay motivated.
In your career in athletics as a director, has there been anything remotely this challenging before, and if so what did you learn from that; or is this totally unprecedented?
This is really unprecedented for me. The only saving [factor] was that the term was near the end and that the varsity schedules had been completed prior to having to adhere to social distancing. Some national championships were not decided, and I would say those athletes are affected the most. I have never seen anything like this and would be okay to never see it again.
What has been the toughest [decision] or what have been some tough decisions that the department has had to make regarding the pandemic?
We had to cancel spring break camps, which was hard because not only do they serve the community, but the partnership with kinesiology students who deliver the program means that they missed out on some valuable teaching time. Having to close the gym and fitness centre is hard because some people really thrive in that place. It will open again, but having it down for a few weeks or more really messes with routines.
Is there possibly good news yet, or have there been any breakthroughs regarding Campus Rec?
We were able to move up the floor refinishing project from May to April so once we are back, the south gym floor will be in great shape. Our plan for the fall is to have programming every night of the week for recreation, and I am hopeful that students take advantage of the space to play and compete and further their student experience.
How have the staff and the athletes responded?
Staff has been great. They are working remotely and planning for the fall term, which we would be doing at this time, anyway. I check in with many of them at least every other day. The athletes have their strength and conditioning plans, and I know Matt Chapdelaine [the Cascades’ strength and conditioning coach] has been impressed with the uptake. Some athletes are using some ingenious weights depending on what they might have access to at home. In all, I think as well as you could expect given the change in routine and life in general, and I am sure all of them are staying safe in hopes of a return to campus as soon as possible.
Image: UFV Flickr
Photo: Steve Tuckwood
