Dear Kenyon College community,
Like all areas of campus, at the Lowry Center we have worked hard to ensure that students, faculty and staff can responsibly use our facilities to stay healthy this semester. We have changed how we enter the building, rearranged the Patterson Fitness Center and KenyonFit classes, and limited the occupancy of our spaces to ensure social distancing. We have mandated the wearing of masks, even when exercising independently. We have reconfigured just about everything we do, and it is well worth it to be able to offer opportunities for fitness and recreation, including during the quiet period.
We also have worked closely with our coaches to develop deliberate and measured plans to return to sports this spring, drawing on guidance from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the North Coast Athletic Conference. It is our hope that our spring sports teams will be able to participate in divisional conference competitions — those that do not require overnight travel — along with a few non-division contests with nearby teams.
Our plans include strict guidelines for masking, social distancing and health assessments. Athletes will practice in assigned pods under the supervision of a coach. Group interaction will be introduced progressively over five weeks, with the emphasis on best practices to reduce spread of COVID-19. Should the College enter another quiet period, we will modify our activities to focus on skill work and physical readiness rather than team tactics.
If you would like more information on the COVID-related policies and plans for athletics, fitness and recreation this semester, including the data informing our decisions, please visit our website or contact me directly at athletics@kenyon.edu. Athletes may also reach out to their coaches.
Sincerely,
Jill McCartney
Director of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation
Prepared by the Office of Communications
Feb. 22, 2021