It is time for the games to return! On the October 2020 edition of the Hear It From Harlan podcast, Utah athletics director
Mark Harlan takes us inside the process that allowed Pac-12 Conference football to become a reality this fall. He discusses the department's new agreement with INFLCR, which will assist Ute student-athletes in telling their story and promoting their brand. Harlan also answers questions sent in by fans, provides an update on construction of the Ken Garff Performance Zone at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and welcomes in senior wide receiver Samson Nacua for a one-on-one interview.
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In mid-August, the Pac-12 Conference announced it was delaying the start of all athletics competition until at least January 1. However, on September 3, the league entered a partnership with Quidel Corporation to implement a rapid-testing program for COVID-19 on every Pac-12 campus. That allowed institutions to conduct contact practices and prepare teams for competition in a safe environment. Harlan discusses the intricacies and the comprehensive scope of that process during the show.
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Utah announced on October 29 it is extending a department-wide partnership with INFLCR for five additional years, empowering Ute student-athletes with innovative technologies to enhance their personal brands on social media. Student-athletes, coaches and staff in all varsity sports will receive photos, videos and graphics produced by Utah's creative teams and delivered through the INFLCR platform to share on their personal social media channels.
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Harlan talks about how INFLCR will help ensure Ute student-athletes are ready to maximize their opportunities with the anticipated changes to the NCAA's Name, Image and Likeness policies.
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Nacua joins the Utah A.D. to talk about how student-athletes have been navigating off-season workouts, practices and course work during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also looks ahead to the much-anticipated start of football season.