Playing it
SAFE Long Island universities are participating in season during the Covid-19 pandemic. BY ANGELO VANSANT
Squat racks spread six feet apart. Exercise equipment piled up on the folded bleachers. A socially distant exercise circuit that flows safely for the athletes. Hofstra University’s athletic department has made a makeshift workout area on the second floor of the David S. Mack Arena to ensure social distancing.
Once their reps are over, they must cover their noses and mouths again.
Nathan Drickamer, a senior men’s lacrosse player, uses this space to exercise safely alongside his teammates.
Long Island universities and colleges have been approved to practice and take part in their 2021 athletic seasons. Following guidelines set forth by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State Department of Health, National Collegiate Athletic Association and each individual school, athletes have slowly been allowed to return to their respective sports.
“When we’re in practice standing around, or when we are inside, our masks are on,” Drickamer said. When athletes are practicing, gaiters are worn on the athletes’ necks for quick mask coverage. During reps, athletes pull down their gaiters, face coverings that are similar to those worn by cowboys on dusty trails.
This is not a normal season for the lacrosse team. It has had to adapt. “The entire team isn’t allowed in the locker room all at once,” Drickamer said, “but I’m happy we’re still able to play.”
“We have been following all the guidelines that have been given for us to compete,” said Jay Artinian, Hofstra University’s dep-
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