On and off the field, the University of Sioux Falls Cougar football team is closely knit.

That's why when safety Jeremy Barnes and cornerback Joe Moen learned a teammate had MRSA, they were worried.

"Luckily they caught it pretty early for him and were able to take care of it, but it's pretty scary when something hits your team or one of your teammates like that," said Moen.

Scary, but something the university is taking seriously. In an e-mail sent to KSFY, vice president Brett Bradfield wrote, "University officials intend to do more extensive testing of suspect areas and further investigate the matter to indeed verify the the report is accurate."

Inside their locker room, players say they're taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of MRSA.

"We have chemicals that we spray all of our equipment with, all of our pads, all of our helmets, and stuff," said Barnes.

It seems the Cougars are confidant their team will stay strong and stay healthy. Moen said, "As it gets more under control, it becomes less of a problem, I think."

Head coach Kalen DeBoertold told KSFY that the student infected is doing well and could return to practice as early as next week.

Do you have a serious issue you'd like investigated?
KSFY's Drew Sandholm would like to hear from you either by phone at (605) 373-7372 or by e-mail.