Story by: Carlee Loyd

The sound of weights hitting the floor, whistles being blown from coaches, and squeaking from shoes running on the court. These are the sounds of spring sports returning to Montevallo. 

It’s a stark contrast to a few weeks ago when the practice facilities echoed with silence as equipment collected dust. The University of Montevallo closed athletic facilities beginning before Thanksgiving break and just returned to on-campus learning January 25 due to COVID-19 health and safety measures.

With a lot of talk, meetings and decisions, UM administration has decided to let all sports participate in play during the spring semester with modifications for health and safety precautions.

Student athletes are excited to be able to get back on the field and prepare for their upcoming seasons. Xavier Malcom, a senior on the men’s basketball team, said, “I’m excited we get to play. They wanted to shut it down, but I’m grateful we get to play and hopefully win a championship.”

Practices for all spring sports are underway, and games have already started for some sports, including men’s and women’s basketball and track. 

Mark Richard, the Director of Athletics for the University, said he hopes all student athletes get the chance to compete this season.

“We’ve got a lot of rules and regulations we’re following to make sure that they’re in place. Our student athletes got to make sure they are staying physical while distancing and masking up,” Richard said.“So, I think if we do those, we can get through the spring.”

Some of the protocol procedures include everyone social distancing, fans and coaches wearing a mask at all times, limited capacities at games, temperature checks, sanitizing more often and more gameday balls available at the games.

For more info about the upcoming games, go to the Univeristy of Montevallo Athletic website and click on the sport you want.