Players required to wear masks in OU football’s split season

Photo courtesy of @OttawaUFootball, Twitter

In the second and final part of this series, we will cover the Ottawa University football team’s split season. 

In addition to having to wear masks, the football team at Ottawa might have to go into a split season for this year. 

If needed, seven games will be played in the fall and three played in the spring. 

The KCAC released a statement August 10 stating:

Teams will still meet the NAIA guidelines regarding start dates for practices and games.  Member schools may begin practice on Saturday, Aug. 15, with football games beginning no sooner than Saturday, Sept. 12. Under this approach, the football schedule will continue as was laid out previously by the Return to Play Task Force up until Oct. 31, allowing for each team to compete in seven to eight games per team depending on where byes fall for each team. At that point in time, the conference will work with schools to address makeup games and/or continue to compete under the current matrix. Nov. 7, 14 and 21 would be set aside as scheduled make-up dates to help teams complete their seven to eight games in Fall 2020. The first games canceled, if any, would have priority with rescheduling.

• If no makeup games are needed by teams scheduled to play in Week 10, then they move forward with playing on Nov. 7.

• If no makeup games are needed by teams scheduled to play in Week 11, then they move forward with playing on Nov. 14.

• Saturday, Nov. 21, is set aside as a make-up date to be used at the discretion of the schools as it might conflict with final exams.

Ottawa football players had some things to say about the potential split-season. 

“I like the idea of a split-season,” junior DB Devin Johnston says. “It is what it is, but I am thankful that we have something to look forward to since some programs canceled everything.”

While many players are looking forward to this unique season, others would like it to carry on as normal.

“I wish it would just be in the fall instead of being a split-season,” junior DL Aaron Schoemann says. “It just puts more stress on the players as well as the coaches, so I wish they would decide either fall or spring.”

However, all of the players have one thing in common: They’re grateful the team gets to play.

“Personally, I’m glad that we are playing in the fall because the whole team has been motivated and working toward a fall season,” senior QB Bailey Shire says. “If it were to get pushed back, it would be a big blow to the team’s morale for sure.”

For more updates on the KCAC requirements due to COVID-19, check out its website https://www.kcacsports.com/ 

Remember to wear your masks, wash your hands and to stay safe!