MSJC football players in quarantine; two games postponed

News release from Mt. San Jacinto College:

After receiving direction from the Riverside County Department of Public Health, Mt. San Jacinto College quarantined the college’s football team effective today, as a result of five confirmed positive COVID-19 cases among its student-athletes.

Games scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 4 and next Saturday, Sept. 11 are postponed. The college will quarantine the football team until Sept. 12. MSJC student-athletes and coaches who are vaccinated and not showing symptoms are not required to quarantine.

"We are heartbroken for our student-athletes who have worked so hard and trained so long to prepare for these games," said Casey Mazzotta, Eagles football coach. "However, we know the health and safety of our students, staff and college community are a priority. This is the best course of action for everyone."

MSJC has adhered to stringent COVID-19 prevention protocols in alignment with the CCCAA requirements, Riverside County Department of Public Health, and California Department of Public Health in an effort to protect the health and safety of the student-athletes and coaching staff. As a result of this comprehensive testing protocol, MSJC quickly identified both symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 positive student-athletes and began immediate contract tracing and quarantining procedures.

Patrick Springer, Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics, is confident that the MSJC student-athletes followed all masking procedures and can confirm that the coaches have adhered to all testing measures and protocols to protect and ensure the safety of our students and staff.

MSJC student-athletes are required to complete mandatory daily COVID-19 questionnaires before arriving onto campus for any activities, including attendance in classes, practices, or competitions. They are also required to adhere to aggressive COVID-19 testing protocols, with student-athletes tested once a week, within 72-hours of a competition. Additionally, all sports officials, game management, and coaching staff are required to be tested prior to a competition.

The college has also implemented a mandatory mask policy that requires students to wear a face covering while indoors. Student-athletes must also wear face coverings while not actively engaged in practice on the field/court.