WHITEWATER, Wis. (CBS 58) -- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football is back where they belong. 

After a brief, four-year absence, the Warhawks made it to the Stagg Bowl last season, the 10th time in 15 years they’ve made the national championship game.

“Then suddenly this all changes and it changed quickly. So we had to be able to adapt," says head coach Kevin Bullis.

The coronavirus pandemic shut down the spring season, but weirdly it fit into coach Bullis’ plans.

“I couldn’t have planned it better than to have a pandemic.”

This off-season he wanted the players to focus on their intrinsic motivations.

“The players have to be on their own in this situation. They did not have the collaboration, the full collaboration of having people around them. Now it’s up to you, to me it’s the ultimate test.”

As the team is studying for that test, the question is, will they ever be able to take it?

“We’re on schedule to be in camp August 12. Plan on it. The worst thing that can happen if they move the season back is we’re ready to roll on August 12. Ok great, we are ahead of schedule. Fantastic!”

Whether it’s August 12^th, October or the 2021 season, eventually football will be back in Whitewater, helping the community recover from this pandemic.

“Our society at UWW, Whitewater, sport is so important, it’s vital. It’s beyond entertainment.”

Reporting from home, Scott Grodsky CBS 58 Sports