Liberty men’s basketball coach Ritchie McKay has tested beneficial for COVID-19, the faculty introduced Tuesday night.
According to the launch, McKay obtained a favourable check consequence this 7 days, has seasoned moderate signs and symptoms, and is self-isolating considering that understanding of the good exam. He will not make the trip with the crew to Nashville this weekend when the Flames experience Lipscomb Friday and Saturday to start ASUN engage in.
“I have complete faith in our coaching staff to direct our group via my absence,” mentioned McKay by way of the launch. “Throughout our period our players have been great in dealing with these complicated situations and I am assured they will persevere.”
McKay has not been all over the relaxation of the group given that the Flames earlier video game, on Tuesday, Dec. 22, when Liberty defeated Alcorn State, 108-65. Following that contest from Liberty Arena, the workforce broke for Christmas crack. This weekend’s video games are in between the two teams who have satisfied in the ASUN Championship activity the past two seasons. Lipscomb was the preseason favorite to earn the ASUN this 12 months, while the Flames are trying to find a 3rd straight title. Liberty was picked to finish 2nd in the ASUN preseason poll very last month.
The Flames are coming off its ideal time in university background, during which it won a plan greatest 30 games and captured the ASUN regular season and match titles for the 2nd straight year. Tuesday’s launch mentioned McKay is subsequent recommendations established by local health and fitness officials and Liberty’s health-related workers. Longtime assistant and present-day Associate Head Mentor Brad Soucie is anticipated to assume the head coaching obligations this weekend.
McKay has guided the Flames to an 8-3 file through non-conference perform, which include wins in excess of Mississippi State and South Carolina. He joins Liberty head football mentor Hugh Freeze who also tested constructive for COVID in early December. Freeze also professional moderate signs and symptoms and returned to the workforce for Liberty’s Dec. 26 Get rid of Bowl earn above No. 12 Coastal Carolina.