University of Illinois Student-Athletes to Return to Campus

Things seem to be heading in the right direction as the University of Illinois is allowing student-athletes to return to campus voluntarily. 

Courses for the Summer term were moved online and there is still uncertainty regarding the return of on-campus instruction for the Fall term.  However, the University will allow Fighting Illini student-athletes to return to campus for voluntary training starting June 3rd.

Sean Hammond of the Daily Chronicle explains student-athletes will be staggering campus arrivals as part of safety precautions which will be taking place.

Workouts for the men’s football and basketball teams will likely occur in the second or third weeks of June.  Workouts for the women’s basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams are expected to begin by early July, Hammond reports.

More safety precautions include periods of quarantine, symptom checks, entry screenings at facilities, and certain procedures for showering, laundry, equipment usage, and locker room usage. 

The University has committed to continue rewarding student-athletes who do not show up to campus for voluntary workouts with their pay – financial aid, the Chicago Sun Times reports.

The Illinois Fighting Illini football team is scheduled to open their season at home on September 4th vs. Illinois State.  That could change, however, during these uncertain times.