Madison Johnson

News Editor

COVID-19 has not only changed the function of classes for college students, but it is changing the schedules and agendas of many sports teams and athletes at The W.

Games are being canceled, practices changed, and teams are splitting for the fall semester. On Aug. 20, the NCAA Division III Administrative Committee released a recommendation that member schools cease competition for the Fall 2020 semester to avoid the potential of increased health and safety risks.

To accurately follow these recommendations set by the governing officials, Owls Athletics has chosen to cease competition for the Fall 2020 semester. Although competitions will not be happening, teams are permitted to practice following the NCAA guidelines for social distancing and testing.

While many athletes are upset by these changes, other students are thankful for the opportunity to continue to play by the safety guidelines given by their coaches.

Some sports such as volleyball have been able to practice and scrimmage, but others such as basketball have not yet been able to meet. Emma Hicks, a freshman basketball player, is hopeful to get into the gym to practice for the team’s upcoming season.

“Although it is not how we expected our season to look like, we are still expectant that we can get in the gym and practice,” said Emma Hicks a freshmen history major. “I am thankful that our coaches are hesitant and have placed guidelines for us to stay safe.”

She has played basketball for three years and committed to play at The W last spring. This season has become an adjustment for players such as Hicks, who never imagined their college basketball careers would look like this.

“I’m ready to get back in the gym so we can practice. This isn’t a setback; it has just given us time to prepare for what is to come. It is just an adjustment, and we will make it.”

The upcoming sports seasons in the spring are also in question as coaches navigate challenges posed by COVID-19. Though next semester is uncertain, coaches want the athletes to remain at the top of their games and continue to prepare for the seasons to come.