MOSCOW — As the fall sports season nears and the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some Idaho Vandal student-athletes are returning to campus.

“One thing echoed by all of our coaches and staff members is that we miss our student-athletes,” Idaho athletic director Terry Gawlik said. “Zoom has been a fine substitute over the last few months, but we are incredibly excited to have some of our Vandals back in the building again. Our plans remain fluid, and we’ll continue to adjust as needed with the health and safety of all at the forefront of the discussion. It has been great to see some familiar, smiling (if we are outside) faces once again.”

Modifications have already been made to the daily routine of everyone in the Kibbie Dome. All who wish to enter the building will be asked to take a temperature check and to disclose any symptoms to the athletic training staff. While the building remains closed to the public for now, student-athletes, coaches and administrators have seen those changes first-hand.

A small group of football student-athletes have already made the return to campus, primarily to work with the athletic training and strength and conditioning staffs to prepare for the upcoming season. Director of Athletic Training Services Chris Walsh and his staff have been adjusting and adding to preexisting protocols around the building to ensure the health and safety of all.

The usually busy Dome will have fewer faces in the halls for now. Student-athletes will only be present for necessary activities before heading home.

Academic support with Director of Student-Athlete Support Services Krista Gray will continue in preparation for the fall of 2020. Much of this support has transitioned to digital platforms in the recent months, something that will continue in the meantime to minimize foot traffic in the building.

Activities in and around the building will be functioning in smaller groups or with individuals. The Iverson Speed and Strength Center will operate with a limited number of student-athletes at a time, with extensive cleaning done between each session.

Official practices are scheduled to begin in early August.