By Ovell Patterson, Student Reporter
After their fall season was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Northwestern football team will play four games this spring.
The team’s first game of the semester is set to take place Feb. 27 against Missouri Southern State University at Ranger Field. The second game will be March 6 against Fort Hays State University at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays, Kansas.
The third game will be March 11 against Missouri Southern State University at Fred G. Hughes Stadium in Joplin, Missouri. The final game of the year will take place against New Mexico Highlands University at Ranger Field.
Head coach Matt Walter said adapting to schedules is one of the biggest challenges the program is facing.
“We always have a set schedule, but due to the pandemic, things are always changing,” Walter said.
Walter said the team has implemented safety measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus among team members.
Players are practicing in smaller groups and are required to wear facial coverings. Athletic department staff conduct daily temperature and wellness checks for players.
Walter said he misses the normal daily interactions with his players.
“Not being to be able around the guys more is the difficult part of being a coach during this pandemic,” Walter said.
Players are not allowed to share equipment and must sanitize their gear.
Football players are getting ready for the season by lifting weights, running and attending team meetings.
“This is our job and what we live for,” Walter said. “Of course, we are excited to be back on the field.”
Great American Conference officials have not announced whether fans will be allowed to attend games.
Because of the ongoing pandemic, game schedules are subject to change. To stay up to date on game information, visit riderangersride.com, the Northwestern athletic department’s official website.
Ja’vion Combs is a redshirt-freshman lineman. He said he is excited to get back on the field.
“I am just excited to be able to play the game I love again because I haven’t actually played in a game in two years,” Combs said. “I hope we see tons of wins with how much work we have put in this off season.”