Due to season delays in response to COVID-19, the Bluffton University baseball, softball, soccer, track, cross country, basketball and football teams all have competitions scheduled for the spring semester. This is the first time in university history that all athletic teams will compete in the same semester.
With such a high volume of on-going sports, the athletic training staff finds itself abnormally busy as it seeks to provide care and COVID-19 tests to all student-athletes.
“The hardest part will be ensuring that we have every team covered,” said Kimberly Schimmoeller, head athletic trainer at Bluffton University. “Our number one priority is being able to provide the best care for our student-athletes, and we will do everything we can to make that happen.”
Schimmoeller also said that the use of new COVID-19 rapid tests has helped speed up the testing process, so that sports teams are able to receive their results in up to thirty minutes instead of the previous thirty-six hours.
“Rapid tests allow student-athletes to self-administer the test which speeds up the process,” said Schimmoeller. “Rapids also allow teams to practice as full squads rather than in small pods. Even though there is an increased chance of false positives with rapid tests, we believe that the pros outweigh the cons.”
Despite the challenges, Schimmoeller believes that the athletic department is up to the challenge of such a busy spring semester.
“We know there are long hours and new responsibilities that we have never had before,” said Schimmoeller. “But we keep things fun. It is important to keep pushing forward. We are adapting along with our athletic department, student-athletes and the rest of the world.”
With all teams practicing, finding time and space for practices is more difficult. The Bluffton University baseball team has adapted to this by holding practices that start between 9 and 10 p.m.
Lenny Winiarski, senior first baseman and catcher, is excited to be practicing and is looking forward to the upcoming season. 
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to be together as a team out on the field again,” said Winiarski. “I cannot wait to get rolling again with another group of awesome people.”
Some sports teams such as baseball, football, softball and soccer were able to compete in at least one non-conference competition in the fall. However, none of these games counted toward conference standings.
“It’s going to be exciting for every game to carry the intensity of being an HCAC contest,” said Winiarski.
Aaron Krepps, head football coach at Bluffton University, is grateful for having had the chance to compete in the fall and is looking forward to the spring season.
“To be one of the only six schools to play a game in the fall was incredible,” said Krepps. “That opportunity to teach, practice and compete will help us this spring.”
