Many teams have stopped their training due to the spread of COVID-19
Cascades teams were set to compete in 2020, but the continued spread of COVID-19 caused teams to halt operations in the fall. The move was tough for the programs and impacted each one differently, as some were set to play scrimmage games, while most were planning to coordinate some sort of playing schedule for 2021. UFV director of athletics and campus recreation Steve Tuckwood explained how there were negatives throughout last year, but also positives.
“It was challenging on many levels, mostly the fact that athletes were apart and not training [or] playing together,” Tuckwood said. “Successes would include that we did have access to weight training and some practices and most, if not all, of the athletes remained engaged throughout. They showed great resilience.”
Teams and fans have been waiting for the green light to start playing again. According to Tuckwood, the department will listen to and follow the provincial guidelines.
“Teams are returning to training very soon. We are hoping to play games later in the winter once given the green light by the PHO [provincial health officer]. Everyone is raring to go,” Tuckwood said.
With regards to what exactly the department has been doing to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the challenges that stem from those protocols, Tuckwood said he has been impressed so far.
“We work with UFV Health and Safety on our plans and protocols, which are informed by ViaSport and the PHO,” he explained. “Coaches and staff are well-versed in all of the requirements, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the attention to detail.”
UFV has yet to release any kind of formal timeline for the Cascades’ return, likely due to changing conditions. Currently, the Cascades are approaching the one-year mark of no conference competition due to COVID-19.
