Big Red Football Trains Amid Pandemic Restrictions

By Grace Puchalski

Despite the circumstances, Big Red Football is still training strong in their home at Phelps Stadium. Football, like all other Exeter sports at the moment, must follow the strict no-contact rule in order to ensure social distancing. The team is also making sure to wear masks. 

While such guidelines may seem like a setback in a high-contact sport, the players are using this time to train hard. The coaches, like the athletes, are up for a challenge this year, adapting to the new guidelines while creating engaging practices. 

Among other exercises, players have participated in combine drills. They have also conducted conditioning drills that maintain social distancing. One drill includes players shuffling together between cones, maintaining eye contact and moving together. Drills like these help the team stay connected while distancing themselves. “The drills we are doing are all no contact. Most of them focus on form and technique, with lots of conditioning thrown in,” upper Liam Brown said.

Unfortunately, Big Red Football will be unable to participate in any games this season. However, the use of equipment has been vital in helping to replicate game-like situations. Obstacles are set up for players to run through, helping them simulate game plays. Football received several brand new helmets, as well, keeping them safe on the field. 

Prior to Oct. 3, when underclassmen arrived on campus, the team only consisted of uppers and seniors. Now that the whole team is together, the athletes have been even more careful about distancing. Luckily, they have been doing a stellar job of ensuring safety first for the members. 

The team has some great potential this year. “Our team has a lot of strong talent in the backfield and in the wide receiver positions,” Brown said.

With this new infusion of talent and a lot of team spirit, it seems Big Red is headed in the right direction. Despite the setback of no games, the team is looking forward to possibly scrimmaging by the end of the season. Hopefully, the team will come out stronger than ever to dominate the opposition. Practice over at Phelps Stadium is certainly not normal this year—however, Big Red is glad to be back and is adapting to make the most of the situation. Stay safe, and Go Big Red!