Iowa State athletics’ COVID-19 positive test numbers remain low

Oct 26, 2019; Ames, IA, USA; A general view of Jack Trice Stadium during the third quarter between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Despite trends across the country, Iowa State athletics continues to be a beacon in the fight against COVID-19 and its spread.

Jamie Pollard reported on Monday the athletic department received only one positive out of the 420 tests administered to student athletes last week and zero positives in the 279 tests given over the weekend.

This is especially notable when you consider the situation currently at Kansas State, the Cyclones’ football opponent this coming Saturday, as there was roughly 20 reported cases early last week. Also on Monday, Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman said the program is on the cusp of not being able to fulfill the requirements of competition under the Big 12’s COVID-19 protocols.

“Hopefully we have a good week this week from a COVID standpoint because we’re right on the cusp,” Klieman said on the Big 12 coaches teleconference. “I couldn’t tell you the exact numbers, but we had more than we would have liked that got crossed out last week.”

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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