One of the most important factors in an athlete’s success is a solid routine.

Establishing a routine of training, sleep and nutrition is crucial to an athlete being in proper mental and physical shape.

The past year has been anything but routine for all of us.

With the Spring 1 sports season already being canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, many athletes, coaches, trainers and staff have all had their lives and routines interrupted.

Uncertainty and loss of entire seasons have been tough on everyone.

With spring approaching and the vaccines beginning to roll out, there is new hope and optimism that soon athletes will be able to return to campus and ultimately be able to play their respective seasons.

Fullerton College’s Sports Information Director Phil Thurman was kind enough to sit down and answer some questions about what is next for Fullerton College athletics.

Are there any spring sports that have a chance at playing the 2021 season? If so, which are you most optimistic about?

After careful thought, our Spring 1 sports were canceled due to the effects of COVID-19. Those were all of the fall sports, including men’s and women’s basketball. The Spring 2 sports, which are all of the usual sports played in the spring, are still on the table. We have had a series of meetings from the state to the Orange Empire Conference figuring out the logistics of creating a safe environment for our student-athletes. The deadline for Spring 2 sports will be February 26.

Of the spring sports that have been canceled, what are the coaches, athletes and trainers doing during their respective canceled seasons?

If all goes well and the Covid-19 numbers begin to go down, we could begin to welcome our student-athletes back on campus. If that happens, the fall sports will be allowed to have spring practices and possibly two scrimmages. There are obviously a lot of factors going into this like testing, masks, cleaning supplies and rules in place to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Are there any facilities on campus that are open for use by athletes, coaches and trainers?

As of today, our student-athletes are not allowed on campus. I am hopeful that we will open up soon. It all depends on the numbers and Governor Newsom’s orders.

What is the outlook for Fall 2021 sports? Will there be an off-season spring football program?

With the rollout of the vaccine, I am very optimistic that we will be on the path to some sort of normalcy by the Fall of 2021. I am hoping that the summer will allow enough time for everyone to get the vaccine so we can get these kids back on campus.

With no games or practices being held, what is the athletic department focusing its time and attention on currently?

We are doing our best to work through this pandemic and get back on campus. Our Athletic Trainers, Lorena Tarnay and Juan Cuevas, are working around the clock staying on top of the situation. We are also taking the time to go through our athletic archives converting them from hard copy to digital. It’s kept me very busy going through 100 years of all 22 sports. In doing that, we are creating a stronger database so we can stay in better touch with our former student-athletes.

The spring signifies a fresh start, and with the spring comes hope and optimism for a return to some normalcy.

For athletes, coaches and staff, returning to campus would mean a return to their normal routines that have been interrupted for almost a year.

Hopefully, with the vaccines being rolled out, we will all be back in the bleachers soon cheering on our Hornets!