Rock Bridge football preaches safety as summer workouts continue

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Rock Bridge football team continued its summer workouts on Thursday amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Head coach Van Vanatta said there are several safety measures in place to keep everyone healthy and safe. The team is split up into stable groups of 25 players. The groups rotate to different areas, and there is extensive cleaning done in between groups.

"You could tell the kids - they were stir crazy, and they’re excited to be out here," Vanatta said. "Our numbers have been great. We’re averaging about 60-65 Varsity and JV kids, and then we’re averaging about 30-40 freshman kids a day. You can just tell they’re enjoying being outside."

Next Tuesday, Vanatta said the team will be able to practice together with its full roster for the first time since the pandemic began.

"These kids need this," Vanatta said. "They need the normalcy."

Senior running back Bryce Jackson said he feels safe during these workouts, and he's happy to be back with his teammates.

"It’s been a long time since we’ve been out here together," Jackson said. "I think everybody appreciates it a lot more and not taking advantage of what we have here and really enjoying the time we've got."

Both Vanatta and Jackson are optimistic about playing the upcoming season.

"It’ll be a little different for sure," Jackson said. "We can’t ignore the dangers of coming out here in large groups and stuff like that, but you know I have faith that they’ll put the right counter measures in to keep everybody healthy and still enjoy the game."

As of now - Rock Bridge is scheduled to begin its season on August 28.