FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University Athletics Director Greg Bamberger says he’s just trying to stay ahead of the Omicron variant.
Bamberger announced Wednesday that Fairmont State would begin 2022 with a no-spectator policy at Falcon sporting events.
He said Thursday, during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline,” the decision was a good pro-active move.
“It’s to basically protect our student athletes and our staff,” Bamberger said.
The highly contagious Omicron variant is spreading in West Virginia. Bamberger said he doesn’t want to take the chance that a sporting event would further that spread.
Bamberger also said Fairmont State students will be returning to Fairmont from across the country the second week of January for the second semester. He said they want to see what happens on campus when students get back.
.@fsfalcons Athletic Director @gbamberger announced a no-spectator policy starting January 2nd. What went into this decision? Bamberger gives an explanation to @HoppyKercheval. WATCH: https://t.co/yCFQ3nDJuy pic.twitter.com/DrL7dqPyoZ
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) December 30, 2021
Bamberger said they want fans back as quickly as possible.
“We want them back supporting our teams. Our teams, especially our basketball teams, are doing a great job, having great seasons. We want people there but we also need to make sure we are protecting our students and our staff,” Bamberger said.