The VIU Mariners have returned after the holiday break as the school looks to continue competition through uncertain times for athletes. (VIU Mariners)

By Dan Marshall

Game On

VIU Mariners athletes navigate complicated return to action after holiday break

Jan 13, 2022 | 7:01 PM

NANAIMO — VIU athletes have had to deal with many challenges returning to play in 2022.

Several games have been postponed because of COVID-19 with the only game to get off the ground in the first week of January was a 91-68 men’s basketball victory at Columbia Bible College.

VIU athletic director Danielle Hyde said basketball and volleyball players will need to be flexible with a schedule which continues to change.

“We’re making our best effort to work within the public health orders to have our athletes back playing. We’re exploring what we can do to keep our players safe and still competing.”

Heading into the second weekend of the semester the men’s volleyball and basketball teams will play their games as scheduled but action for both women’s teams is postponed.

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The PACWEST as a league implemented a new policy as of Monday, Jan. 10 allowing no fans in the stands until further notice.

This move was made to further minimize risks to players and coaches from the Omicron variant of COVID-19 according to the PACWEST board.

Other VIU Mariners teams, like the men’s hockey club, continue to operate while waiting for league action to resume.

The Mariners are playing some exhibition games as they wait for a resumption of regular season BCIHL contests on towards the end of January.

On the horizon for the university is the CCAA Women’s National Championship.

VIU was supposed to host in 2020, the event was cancelled outright in 2021 and Hyde hopes the Mariners will get to put on the event as planned from March 16-19.

“We’re planning for the tournament. We know the other provinces are in a different situation which is what makes planning for the event even more tricky. We have to work within the orders in B.C. but we have to consider what our country-mates are able to do as well.”

The traditional banquet for example may not be a go this year but Hyde said VIU will adapt and look to provide the best student experience possible.

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