With football back on campus, TCU continues its phased return with other sports
The Big 12 approved a timeline for football players to begin on-campus voluntary workouts as early as June 15 with other fall sports (volleyball, soccer and cross country) being able to begin as early as Wednesday (July 1).
TCU’s football program brought players back at the earliest date possible, but the other fall sports are taking their time as part of the school’s plan to return student-athletes in phases amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The soccer program, for instance, won’t have players start reporting back to campus until July 14 with the idea of having a couple weeks of conditioning before practices get underway Aug. 4.
“We decided to hold off a few weeks,” soccer coach Eric Bell said. “There’s not a whole lot for the kids to do. You work out for two hours a day and then what else are they going to do? We thought it’d be better to wait a little bit longer, let them stay at home with their families for a few extra weeks.”
The same can be said for the other fall sports programs. TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati said this has been part of the school’s plan from Day 1, using a phased-in approach to bring teams back.
“We’ve given every sport dates to report but also said we reserve the right to change our mind,” Donati said. “Right now, we’re still on track of our original plan.”
The school is also having players work out in small groups, so the state’s order Thursday limiting outside gatherings to 10 or fewer people will not have an impact on voluntary workouts.
The men’s basketball program is the next sport returning this week with voluntary workouts starting Monday. TCU coach Jamie Dixon said most, but not all, players have returned.
Dixon said the players seem eager and ready to get going, despite the pandemic.
“They’re not too worried about this thing, to be honest,” Dixon said. “They just want to play.”
Dixon is confident there will be a basketball season in some fashion. Veteran coach Rick Pitino had a Twitter post this week suggesting college basketball starts its season in January with conference-only games.
“Everything is on the table,” Dixon said. “We’re going to adapt and we’re going to figure it out. But I’ve told our guys there’s something to get ready for. It may not be what we’re used to, it isn’t already, but we’ll be ready.”
The uncertainty of seasons face every program.
Bell and the women’s soccer team haven’t released a 2020 schedule yet, although they are hopeful to open the season on Aug. 20. TCU’s volleyball team also doesn’t have an updated schedule on the school’s athletic website.
“We’re hopeful to start on Aug. 20 but things are changing daily,” said Bell, who has led the Horned Frogs to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
“People are canceling games because of budget cuts or COVID-19, so we’re just being flexible. We’ve talked to some local schools or schools in close proximity as Plan B’s where we’d play if there’s a cancellation and the dates work out.”
As far as the players returning, Bell said the vibe has been positive. There may be some apprehension about coming back to campus amid the pandemic, but the general consensus is the desire to return and play a season.
“They want to get back,” Bell said. “They’ve been gone since March, so I think they really want to get back and see their friends and play.”
