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U of G hopeful Toronto Argonauts training camp can return to Alumni Stadium

On Monday the Ontario government announced its return-to-play framework for pro teams and elite amateur sports organizations
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Guelph native, Toronto Argonauts player and U of G amumni Jake Reinhart (58) goes through a special teams drill at Alumni Stadium during an Argos training camp in 2016. Tony Saxon/GuelphToday file photo

The University of Guelph is hopeful the Toronto Argonauts will hold its next training camp at Alumni Stadium.

A decision for the state of the upcoming season of the Canadian Football League is expected in the near future after the province announced its return-to-play framework on Monday.

If Argos training camp does return to Guelph it will not look the same as it has in previous years, said Scott McRoberts, U of G’s director of athletics. 

“We do hope to host the Argos on campus again this year,” said McRoberts. “I know the Argos are waiting on the proper public health approvals.”

Under normal circumstances the training camp offers Guelphites an up-close chance to watch the Argos prepare for the season, but that won’t be the case if it happens this year.

“Due to health regulations it will be closed to the public and (the players and staff) will be in their own bubble similar to how other professional sports have done,” said McRoberts.

Still, McRoberts said there is lots of optimism to get back to some sense of a ‘new normal.’

In 2020, Argos personnel toured Alumni Stadium but the training camp was not held. The last time the team held a training camp in Guelph was 2016.

On Monday the Ontario government announced its return-to-play framework for pro teams in the province, including those in the CFL and elite amateur sports organizations, including the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League.

League organizers must inform the local medical officers of health and quarantine will be required for participants travelling to Canada from abroad.

Return-to-play plans must also include a COVID-19 testing and screening protocol. Control measures or physical distancing and masks should be consistent with public health guidelines.