DENVER – On Monday, Aug. 10, a Town Hall meeting with MSU Denver Director of Athletics Todd Thurman was hosted by John Kietzmann, the Roadrunners' associate athletic director for external operations. Questions were supplied by MSU Denver student-athletes and by the MSU Denver athletics staff.

Specific answers to many general questions are listed below. Answers to these questions and many others, often with more detail, are available through the on-demand video replay of the event.
 
Student-Athlete Town Hall Questions
There are many questions and concerns surrounding the reactivation of Roadrunners Athletics at MSU Denver. The health and safety of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff remains a top priority.
 

Competition Questions
 
What is the current status of Fall sports?  Will they be moved to the Spring?
We are currently working through this situation. The RMAC has moved Fall sports to the Spring. We are still determining what options are available for our student-athletes in the Fall sports. More information will be coming out in the next week.
 
What about Winter and Spring sports?
Right now, no decision has been made about Winter and Spring sports. We are planning on playing those sports as currently scheduled.
 
What about NCAA championships?
Fall NCAA championships have been cancelled. The next opportunity to compete for a national championship in a Fall sport will be during the Fall of 2021.
 
What if competition takes place, but I choose not to play?
Each situation is unique and different. Our coaches and staff will work with you to let you know what your options are concerning participation.
 
If there is competition, would fans be allowed?  Will other student-athletes be able to attend?
At this time, fans will not be allowed at MSU Denver home contests. We are monitoring the situation and are working on ways to provide a safe environment for our student-athletes and fans.
 
Health & Safety
 
What is the testing plan for athletics?
MSU Denver will follow the testing protocols laid out by the NCAA and the RMAC. Those protocols are still being finalized, but will most likely include testing prior to outside athletic competition.
 
What happens if there is a positive test?
It is the responsibility of student-athletes and coaches to quarantine for 14 days from the last potential exposure to a positive case. A confirmed case will be in isolation for at least 10 days. The coach, athletic trainer, and department staff will work together to support the student-athlete as best as possible. The student-athlete must give permission to have a coach, athletic trainer, or staff member notify their parents of any medical situation.
 
Will a student-athlete be able to play or practice if they have symptoms, but it's determined that it's not COVID-19?
No. Student-Athletes will have to quarantine for 14 days with symptoms due to the unreliability of testing.
 
What steps are being taken to ensure student-athlete safety?
We are taking this situation very seriously. We have changed our cleaning procedures as well as changed other operational measures. It is critical that we provide a safe environment for student-athletes to practice and compete.
 
What are the rules around masks?
We will follow all federal, state, local, and campus requirements. At this time, masks will be required when on campus for all non-athletic activities. Masks will not be required for practices and games, but they will be required in the weight room. Masks should be worn in all public places where physical distancing cannot be achieved.
 
How will the training room procedures change?
There will be no preventative taping occurring for the student-athletes. It is strongly recommended that student-athletes purchase ankle braces. All pre-practice taping, stretching, foam rolling, etc., will primarily take place outside. The space is limited to two receiving treatment and one performing rehab. Appointments with athletic trainers can be scheduled online through the Athletics website (RoadrunnersAtheltics.com) and then following the links to Calendly.com. Appointments can be scheduled with any athletics trainer.
 
What can we do if someone, either a student-athlete or staff member, is not following health and safety procedures, or if we observe something that is unsafe or could be safer?
Your safety is very important.  If you feel comfortable, please address the issue directly with the individual. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, your coach would be your next option. Todd Thurman, Director of Athletics, and other staff members can also be notified.
 
What about mental health issues that present themselves if a student-athlete is diagnosed with COVID-19?
The Health Center, Counseling Center, and other campus resources will be available as needed.
 
Facilities
 
What are the rules with the weight room?
Student-Athletes will be allowed to sign up for lifting sessions on the same day they are able to participate workouts. No more than five student-athletes will be allowed to workout at a time.  Student-Athletes will maintain six feet of social distancing at all times within the weight room. Each student-athlete will have an assigned station in the weight room which will include a rack, dumbbells, bands, foam rollers and any other piece of equipment they will need for their workout. The workouts will be scheduled for 45-minute blocks. Student-Athletes will remain at their station throughout the workout. No spotting will be allowed, therefore, no "maximum load" lifting will be performed.
 
Will facilities be open?
Facilities will not be open to student-athletes without supervision.
 
What other rules have changed around athletics facilities?
Everyone, (student-athletes, coaches, and staff) will have limited access to the interior of the Cohen Center. All indoor facilities cannot be used as a "hang out" location or a place to spend extended periods of time and socialize.  The Cohen Center multipurpose room, student-athlete lounge, and other areas will have a new number for maximum capacity. Masks are required when in the locker room.
 
Eligibility
 
What happens if we start competition but can't finish a season?
The NCAA has provided legislation that will allow a student-athlete to retain a season of eligibility provided that the team did not compete in more than 50% of the possible contests.
 
What about scholarships?
All athletics scholarships will be honored for 2020-21.
 
What if I'm scheduled to graduate in December?
There are a couple of options available to December graduates. Please work with your coach to determine the best option for you.
 
Are there any changes to undergraduate Progress Toward Degree requirements if sports shift seasons?
 
No. There are no changes related to your academic pursuits. You must continue to meet these NCAA requirements.
 
Other Questions
 
What budget cuts have been made?
The University budget has been affected this year. We are working with the budget office as well as the athletics coaches and staff to maximize every dollar. There will be some cuts that need to be made. Our priority is to protect our people, including scholarships and staffing.
 
Whom to contact:
Academics – Erin Hiltner
Eligibility & Compliance – Alex Pappas
Facilities – Jerrid Oates
Sports Performance – Steph Begley