Implementing safe Return to Train protocols, based upon Provincial Sport Organization’s protocols and approved by the Trent Return to Campus Committee, is an important part of overall support for Trent’s Excalibur varsity student-athletes in this very different year.  And Trent Excalibur student-athletes are keeping their eye on the prize (and their future victories) as they safely return to train on campus this fall.

“We’ve chosen to focus on what we can do as a team,” says Excalibur women’s lacrosse team head coach Tori Wasson. “Return To Train protocols allow us to continue to work toward a gold medal in 2021. We also want to honour the work of those players who won’t be returning and move forward for our new players. The skills and resiliency they are building are essential.”

Governed by the Ontario Lacrosse Associations’ Return to Activity guidelines, lacrosse student-athletes are training with full-adherence to mandated physical distancing and no body or stick contact permitted, as well as full sanitization of all sports equipment before and after use.  This return to train is also guided by government, public health and University protocols.

“No high fives…smiling with your eyes is the new normal,” says Ms. Wasson.

On the men’s rugby side of things, guided by Rugby Ontario’s return to play protocols, training and small-sided flag rugby within the team environment is allowed but with no contact or scrums permitted. Still, head coach Tom McLeod says, “It’s a huge bonus to be able to get out to do training and support our student-athletes.”

“The goal this year is that everyone feels supported, both socially and in their individual development.”

Trent athlete development coordinator Chris Wilding says Return To Train sessions present “an opportunity” to support our Excalibur student-athletes to build their strength and skills in a safe way and reconnect with their teammates and coaches.

“This year we’re adding additional resources to our Excalibur varsity program in the areas of mental performance and team development sessions.  In a highly compressed season, you don’t always have the full opportunity to do those sorts of things.”