(C/O sdcityknights.com)

SAN DIEGO - For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of the school and all competitions in March of 2020, San Diego City College student-athletes and coaches were allowed back on campus in April for socially distanced and masked conditioning workouts. After lots of hard work putting together a safe plan, the Knights made their return on April 12 and it has provided optimism and excitement for everyone involved. 

"It's been amazing," said San Diego City College Athletic Director Aaron Detty. "You can sense smiles under these masks and it has been a complete joy to start getting back into shape for next season. Coaches are doing an amazing job providing safe and fun workouts. I also want to compliment the amazing work by all our support staff and our Head Athletic Trainer Jayme Jenkins who has been key to our return to campus."

Jenkins, who was recently hired as the Head Athletic Trainer, has been in charge of making sure everyone is following the set guidelines. She has been taking everyone's temperature 30 minutes before class start times and issuing wristbands to student-athletes and coaches that have been cleared by SWAY, the smartphone app being used for Covid-19 screening.

Teams have been meeting once a week in cohorts that are limited to 12 student-athletes or less with masks being worn at all times. The conditioning workouts have taken place outdoors with students distanced at least six feet apart. No equipment or handshakes of any kind have been allowed. 

"I was nervous and anxious to return to campus because it had been over a year and there were so many procedures in place," said Head Softball Coach LeeAnn Taylor. "I was nervous about coaching in a new way and was not really confident in my ability to not want to greet my athletes properly with our unique handshakes or give them a deserved high-five for executing a skill correctly. However, it was all awesome! When I drove up and was happily greeted by our athletic trainer, Jayme, and our athletic director, Aaron, my heart filled up with so much happiness.  Then I saw my groundskeeper Andy and more love and happiness filled me up. When I saw my athletes, my heart filled up even more! It was really emotional. Though we are not able to use equipment yet, we are making the best of it. It just feels really great to be outside and doing what we love."

Although the rules have been stringent and teams have not been able to practice the way they normally would, there is still an overall sense of joy because the first step towards reaching a full return has been taken. 

"Being back on campus, even just the one day each week, is huge for our team," said Women's Head Cross Country Coach Marco Anzures. "The in-person conditioning really anchors our week and provides a little excitement as we head into the summer. I can feel the difference in the attitude and mood of the student-athletes. They have all expressed gratitude for being able to practice together and it has also lifted the mood of our coaching staff as well."

If all goes well in early May, the use of equipment could be approved for the final weeks of the semester.