SWAC gearing up to play in the Spring

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Southwestern Athletic Conference is preparing to start its football season, SWAC is one of a few conferences planning to play in the spring.

The SWAC was the first to shut down its football season because of COVID-19 but leaders say they are still on track to play its conference schedule this spring.

SWAC is currently in the middle of basketball season. The conference started later than usual in early January.

Looking ahead, SWAC Commissioner Charles Mcclelland says the conference is excited about football but the COVID-19 pandemic will determine how the season will play out.

McClelland says they haven’t seen many cases result from the field but from outside activities such as meetings and eating out.

He says the conference is hoping the vaccine will get the ball back in play consistently.

“We’re still about 8 to 9 weeks away from the start of our football season. So, with the vaccinations kicking in and individuals getting vaccinated will have a smoother transition with our season because we know more, and again, we anticipate the vaccinations making a difference,” says McClelland.

McClelland says the conference is focusing on CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus... social distancing, wearing face coverings, and washing their hands to keep everyone healthy and ready to play.

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