UB football head coach Maurice Linguist said Tuesday that more than 90% of his team is vaccinated ahead of its season opener against Wagner Thursday night.
“We’re very proud to say we’re in the 90% (range),” Linguist said at a presser at the Murchie Family Fieldhouse. “We’re plus-90% in terms of team vaccination. The players made it their personal choice to go ahead and do that and get their own shot.”
Linguist noted that his staff is “respectful” and “mindful” that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a “personal choice” that his players get to make. UB is requiring all students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend in-person classes this fall, with limited exemptions due to religious beliefs or a medical contradiction.
Students had until Aug. 30 to submit proof of a first dose and until Sept. 27 to submit proof of a full vaccination series, according to university guidance. UB reported last week that 27,140 students are fully vaccinated with an WHO-approved vaccine.
COVID-19 restrictions are in effect for spectators at Thursday night’s season opener. Fans will be required to wear face coverings, regardless of vaccination status. All fall sports will be held with full capacity crowds. Guidance regarding men’s and women’s basketball will be provided at a later date, according to the university.
UB will take on Division 1 FCS opponent Wagner at UB Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN3 and on radio at ESPN 1520.
Justin Weiss is the managing editor and can be reached at justin.weiss@ubspectrum.com
Anthony DeCicco is the senior sports editor and can be reached at anthony.decicco@ubspectrum.com
Justin Weiss is The Spectrum's managing editor. In his free time, he can be found hiking, playing baseball or throwing things at his TV when his sports teams aren't winning. His words have appeared in Elite Sports New York and the Long Island Herald. He can be found on Twitter @Jwmlb1.
Anthony DeCicco is the Editor-in-Chief of The Spectrum. His words have appeared in outlets such as SLAM Magazine andSyracuse.com. In 2020, he was awarded First Prize for Sports Column Writing at the Society of Professional Journalists' Region 1 Mark of Excellence Awards. In his free time, he can be found watching ‘90s Knicks games and reading NFL Mock Drafts at 3 a.m.
