With social distancing and COVID-19 altering the student experience, the college is introducing Bethany Voices. A group of students of varying backgrounds will share their thoughts over the next few weeks about remote learning, COVID-19, and how they are staying focused and connected in a new world.
By SUMMER WHELAN
I will never forget the spring break I spent this year in Myrtle Beach with the Bison track team.
It seemed crazy when the NBA stopped their season and the NCAA canceled tournaments as COVID-19 began spreading across the country.
Still, I wasn’t too worried at the moment because Coach Andy Upton planned for us to run the meet that Friday and Saturday. Then, Thursday night, one of my teammates said that Westminster College pulled out of the meet.
Still, I ate breakfast Friday morning and put my uniform on, ready to go.
However, Coach Upton sent a message in the GroupMe saying he would be coming to our rooms to talk to us; I knew what was going to happen. The Presidents’ Athletic Conference had said that spring sports were “indefinitely suspended” (now cancelled), and we were taken out of the meet.
I am thankful for that week, but, as I chose to participate on the swim team instead of running indoors, I am very sad that I won’t be able to get to know everyone on the team as I could’ve if the season happened.
I am also thankful the NCAA isn’t taking away eligibility for this spring, so depending on where I go I might be able to run track my first year of grad school.
Even though we aren’t on campus, I stay very connected with my sports teams and friends.
For track, Coach Upton sends out workouts for everyone, the GroupMe goes off daily, and we have team Zoom meetings every Sunday night.
For cross country, Coach Michael Guinn checks in with the team often as does Coach Caileigh Purcell for swimming.
My friends and I use our group chats daily. We send updates on how we are doing, reminisce, and help each other out with different things.
Summer Whelan is a freshman history major from Parma, Ohio. She is a Presidential Scholar and competes on the cross country, outdoor track, and swim teams.
READ MORE BETHANY VOICES
FRESHMAN YEAR BRINGS UNEXPECTED ADJUSTMENT
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