After being in Phase 1 of return to play for most of the beginning of the year, athletics transitioned into Phase 2 starting on Oct. 5, meaning that practice sizes and practice time would increase. This was a step forward as the start of seasons for many teams is just around the corner. However, after the announcement of the quarantine of Winchester Hall along with the spike in positive cases, the athletic program had to make a decision.

Dan Ruede, associate director of athletics said, “At this time, we are taking a two-week hiatus from all practice or strength & conditioning activities.” After the two weeks, Ruede said, “we are going to take a measured approach, working closely with Summer McGee and the COVID Task Force, making sure that the health and safety of the student-athletes is the priority.”

After University of New Haven President Steven H. Kaplan’s email that extended the pause of in-person learning, athletics paused, as well. Ruede said, “We will wait until the 26th and wait to see what administration says we can do.”

According to Ruede, the hope is for practices to resume the week of Oct. 26, as long as McGee and members of the administration give authorization and it is safe for athletes to return.

This return delay comes as the basketball schedule for both the men and women’s teams should be released, along with the finalization of other sports schedules for the new year.

As of now, it is a waiting game where everyone is just a spectator and waiting to see what the virus holds for the university.