The University of Buffalo on Tuesday announced 25 positive tests for COVID-19 among its athletic program, with 19 of the positives within the football program.
The school has suspended activities among its football, volleyball and women’s soccer programs, after the outbreak mushroomed when one student athlete reported having COVID-19 symptoms last week.
A total of 322 athletes at the school were tested, leading to the 25 cases. Five of the positives were in the volleyball program while there was one in women’s soccer.
“With the rigorous health protocols we have in place, and with the dedicated commitment of our student-athletes and athletics staff, we will continue to protect our student-athletes, the UB campus community and the community at large,” athletic director Mark Alnutt said a statement to The Buffalo News.
The Mid-American Conference just agreed last week to play a six-game football schedule that would start Nov. 4, with practice beginning next week. According to The Buffalo News, the teams hope they can resume activities on Monday, following further evaluation of the health status of each team.
Buffalo’s football team went 8-5 last season and was 5-3 in MAC play. The Bulls defeated Charlotte 31-9 in the Bahamas Bowl to end the season on a three-game winning streak.
