What a return to campus could look like for Syracuse this fall

There’s still a lot of uncertainty around COVID-19, despite how things may appear right now. And while professional sports and entertainment entities are putting plans in place to get back to work, there’s still much more that needs to be done for schools and offices to begin opening again in many cases.

How college campuses are able to return is of particular interest to this group, since it directly affects Syracuse Orange athletics and the feasibility of safely bringing sports back. With this all in mind, the University released an extensive plan this week, with 127 recommendations for what needs to occur to maintain the safest possible environment.

We’re not going down the full list, but the recommendations also included athletics also having its own plan given the unique circumstances around athletics. Not only would players be leaving campus and the CNY region during the semester (the plan recommends testing and quarantines when this occurs), but contact tracing would be tougher as well given playing games means direct contact with others.

Would also think that the temperature and ID checks, and stricter policies on university guests means that we’re unlikely to see many/any non-students fans at games this fall. But of course, a lot of this can change dramatically between now and August.

That, plus the rest of your Syracuse-related links below:

SU releases COVID-19 response plan with 127 recommendations for the fall (Daily Orange)

The committee suggested that SU develop a COVID-19 response plan specifically for SU athletes. Student-athletes and their “unique activities and social, living, and travel routines” present community health concerns, according to the document. SU must offer classes asynchronously for international students who may not be able to enter the United States, according to the committee.

Lamson discusses Syracuse offer as he closes in on decision (CuseNation)

“I got a call from coach Gilbert and he let me know they wanted to offer,” Lamson said. “We have been talking a lot more. It really started to pick up about two to three weeks ago. My family and I were super excited because it was an offer we were waiting for. Just the academics and the level they play at is huge. I also really like the staff.”

What’s it like for a top basketball recruit? J.J. Starling fields calls from Boeheim, Hopkins and dozens more in 1 day (Syracuse.com)

Jim Boeheim dialed the Starling family at 2 p.m., almost immediately after Satonya Starling disconnected with Hopkins. Boeheim said it was his first call of the day and wanted to confirm Starling is still a priority for Syracuse, despite the commitment of five-star guard Dior Johnson and recruitment of four-star forward Chance Westry.

Former Syracuse Orange Jovan Miller uses platform to push for change (WSYR)

So that gave Jovan an idea. He currently is an English teacher down in Charlotte at Phoenix Montessori Academy but he has switched topics the last two weeks. Using his Instagram page, @jovination23, equipped with a marker and a white board he’s teaching what he calls Activism 101. “Feedback has been awesome,” said Miller. “I just want to keep as many going as humanly possible, because a lot of people are listening.”

2021 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot Released (National Football Foundation)

Former Syracuse greats Dwight Freeney and Marvin Harrison both on this year’s ballot.

2020 ACC Football Kickoff to be Conducted Virtually (TheACC)

Pistons hire former Syracuse basketball assistant Troy Weaver as GM (Syracuse.com)

How Boeheim’s Army will prepare to play ‘no easy games’ in TBT (Syracuse.com)

The NCAA passes on a decision, and the college hoops recruiting world plays on (The Athletic)

‘Cuse Connections: Ian McIntyre (Cuse.com)

Orange fans can own a piece of the Dome roof (Cuse.com)

Syracuse men’s basketball announces workout dates (Twitter)