By Henry Trost, Contributing writer
It would seem that most members of the St. Bonaventure University community have become acclimated to all of the necessary safety precautions enforced everywhere on campus. Student athlete’s schedules go from class to their afternoon practices as they would any other year. But the empty schedules for all of St. Bonaventure University’s athletic teams serve as a reminder of the coronavirus pandemic and the unprecedented times we are living in.
The Atlantic 10 Conference elected to postpone all fall sporting competitions on July 17, 2020. Freshman soccer player, David Cubillos, was devastated when he heard that all fall competitions had been cancelled, but understands that the decision was made with the safety of the athletes in mind.
“I was sad because I was really looking forward to my freshman season,” said Cubillos. “I thought we might’ve still been able to play because other conferences did not cancel, but it’s for the best so I can’t complain too much.”
Despite the news from the Atlantic 10, Bonaventure student athletes have proven resilient and committed. Proof of this commitment can be seen every Monday and Wednesday morning at 6 a.m. as the men’s soccer team pushes through their pre-sunrise weight room sessions.
With no games for any sport in the near future, staying motivated is vital to improving in one’s sport. Cubillos explains that being able to continue to work towards the goals of the team in these times separates the average player from the elite one.
“It has been a little bit difficult to stay motivated due to the cancellation of the season because we’re just practicing with no games to play. But I think now is where good athletes can separate from great athletes because whoever can find the motivation now, will be the most successful,” said Cubillos.
Not all hope for a freshman season is lost for fall athletes. Not long after the postponement of fall competitions was announced, the Atlantic 10 released a statement explaining that a plan is in place to hold contests in the spring semester. The Atlantic 10 sponsors men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s swimming, women’s volleyball, men’s golf, women’s field hockey and women’s rowing. All of the above teams are included in the plan for spring semester competition. With this in mind, student athletes on all teams must prepare for their season as best they can.
Until then, Cubillos waits patiently for his chance to compete as
a Bonnie. “I am hopeful that we will have a season in spring,” said Cubillos. “Realistically it’s a long shot but you never know what could happen so better be prepared and keep practicing just in case.” Authorities on campus have been diligent in maintaining proper coronavirus protocols. By enforcing safety protocols, the hope is that all students will be allowed to remain on campus and that all student athletes will be allowed to continue
practicing. Freshman shortstop Ryan Williamson explains that he and his teammates are able to adhere to safety protocols and still train effectively.
“Training and conditioning feels the same,” says Williamson. “It’s only the mask and social distancing part that feels unique. But if that’s something we have to do so that we can play, all of us must take part in it and hold each other accountable.”
Williamson holds a sense of optimism and cites the resumption of
professional sports as his reason. “I feel very strong about playing
this year,” says Williamson. “If other people can play like in summer
baseball tournaments around the U.S, and even the MLB, then the
NCAA should be able to as well.” Hopefully soon the student athletes
of Bonaventure will be competing once again. Freshman will
wear the brown and white for the first time and awards will be added
to the trophy cases in the Reilly Center. But until then, it is just as
important for these same athletes to follow safety protocols, stay committed to their training and enjoy their time as a college student athlete.
trosthm20@bonaventure.edu
