Wyoming is shutting down its freshman class because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
After 11 freshmen on the Wyoming football team tested positive for COVID-19, the Cowboys are isolating all 31 members of their freshman class.
The freshmen, who live in residence halls on campus with other members of the student body, are being asked to shelter in place for a week to keep the spread of the virus in check.
Wyoming plans to continue practicing with the remainder of the football team by the start of next week after all of the players are tested and cleared of the coronavirus.
“We are hopeful that these actions will limit the spread of the virus to the freshman football team members and that the rest of the team can resume its preparations for the shortened season that begins Oct. 24,” athletic director Tom Burman said in a statement.
Wyoming football is fighting to start their season on time
It’s critical for Wyoming to keep the virus contained with the start of the Mountain West season looming. The Cowboys are supposed to play their first game against Nevada on Oct. 24.
With so few weeks to prepare, every day matters. Holding out the freshmen, who aren’t likely to be needed immediately this season, is the only way to keep practices running. They can be reintegrated into the team after they are cleared of the virus.
Of course, that plan can only work if the virus didn’t jump from any freshmen to other players during practices this week. Results from Friday’s testing will determine whether the program can go ahead with their preparations for the season.
If they can’t, the Week 1 battle with Nevada could be called off.
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