Photo courtesy of Sports Information
By Dustin Waleff, Sports Editor
On Dec. 11 Susquehanna officials announced the cancellation of all winter sports.
The sports impacted are the men’s and women’s teams in basketball, indoor track and field and swimming and diving, as well as the club ice hockey team.
President Jonathan Green said, “Our highest priority is the safety of our students and employees. In addition to the challenges that athletics present for masking and distancing, it is critical that we limit travel and contact with individuals from outside of our community until the virus has abated.”
This decision came before a final call was made by the Landmark Conference. Even if the conference holds competition in February, Susquehanna and its athletes will not compete.
Susquehanna coaches were not involved in the making of the decision to cancel winter athletics.
“We feel for our winter sport student-athletes, specifically our seniors. All of our students, coaches, and staff have shown great resilience this year and I believe our togetherness is an asset to draw upon as we continue to support a safe and healthy campus community,” Director of Athletics Sharief Hashim said.
“If we are back in person [in the spring], we will be continuing with skill development work, strength and conditioning and possibly some full practices to prepare for the 2021-22 season,” men’s basketball coach Frank Marcinek said.
“I know many teams, regarding the circumstances this year were unable to even come together and practice, and we were lucky to have that opportunity” senior women’s basketball player Nevin Hoenninger said. “During that time, we were able to work together and communicate with the younger players. This will definitely give them confidence that they will need heading into the next season, since they will already be prepared and know what to expect.”
“This was definitely something we all saw coming. During difficult times like these, you can definitely see the writing on the wall. Kudos to our athletic staff and school administration for their wonderful attempts to facilitate a possible season,” senior men’s basketball player Bryce Butler said. “With all of this being completely out of our control, we will begin to focus once again on the daily grind and improving bit by bit to ensure success the next time Susquehanna men’s basketball steps on the court.”
Senior women’s soccer and basketball player, Madi Welliver, who had both of her seasons canceled said: “In all honesty, I really don’t know how to feel because none of it feels real and hasn’t really hit me yet. This is definitely not how I pictured my senior year to go, and never knew that the final time I walked off the field and court as a junior would be my last. This year has taught me how to appreciate the little things, and that there is more to life than being an athlete. I’ve had plenty of season ending injuries, but nothing really can compare to this. It’s easy to sit here and think about what could have been, but it’s now time for me to make my teammates better every chance I get and make the most of the time I have left at SU.”
Currently, spring athletic competitions involving Susquehanna and the rest of the Landmark Conference are still on as scheduled, with a final decision coming at a later date.