GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College is testing basketball players weekly through a partnership with Ferris State University, according to a news release Friday.
Interim Athletic Director David Slemon said the testing exceeds safety protocols prescribed by the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association.
Through a partnership with the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, students, coaches and training staff participating in contact sports receive weekly antigen tests, with results available in about 15 minutes.
The tests are administered by Ferris State faculty and students, and the partnership is expected to continue through the entire season.
“We’ve adopted several protocols to keep our student-athletes as safe as possible during the pandemic,” Selmon said. “This is an additional step, but we think it is an important one for teams competing in contact sports. Ferris has been an excellent partner for GRCC over the years, and we appreciate being able to work together on this testing.”
GRCC Athletics also requires masks and social distancing where possible, and also prohibits spectators from the arena during games.
That’s in addition to the college’s policies, which include daily health screenings and frequent deep cleanings.