Almost a year ago, Colleges and Universities across the country were in the same position when the Covid-19 pandemic began. They almost immediately switched to online learning, students were sent home and athletics were cancelled for the remainder of the season. Albert Bean, Director of Athletics at the University of Southern Maine said, “It’s now been [a year] since Covid-19 became a reality for us in the athletic world.”
One Wednesday in mid-March of 2020, the University of Southern Maine had just sent four track athletes to the NCAA Division III National Championship, as well as two wrestlers. According to Bean, the baseball and softball teams were set to leave the next day for the Florida portion of their season; they also had about 125+ people in attendance at the Alumni Reception Center for an Admissions/Athletics event.
Much to the disappointment of the student athletes, the National Championships were canceled the following night despite the fact the athletes were already there. Adding to the disappointment, the baseball and softball trips were canceled just two days later.
“Shortly following that time, the campus went remote. It was so discouraging for our student-athletes. The spring season was canceled, and so too were our summer sports camps and outside use of our facilities,” Bean shared.
The university came back in the fall of 2020 with approximately 75% of courses online and a diminished capacity in the residence halls.
Bean stated, “The fall sports season was canceled but, with appropriate precautions in place, we did practice and scrimmage with our teams. We waited on a decision regarding winter sports to see where things were going.”
Teams were allowed to ease into small group work and practice. After Thanksgiving break and after careful deliberation, it was decided they would attempt to play a shortened winter season.
“Each of our seven winter programs would be allowed to play up to six games/contests but travel would be limited to two hours and within Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont,” Bean said.
The teams started the weekend of February 20th and have been able to continue. Bean said that student athletes, coaches, trainers and other close contacts are tested three times weekly. Significant precautions are also in place to protect everyone involved.
“Masking and social distancing must be followed and guidelines for visiting teams and our own teams have been developed and detailed. Officials and bus drivers are tested and no spectators are allowed at games,” he said.
Students have felt the effects of the pandemic on so many levels. For Kristen Curley (GHS, ‘17) a senior at the University of Southern Maine and player on the women’s basketball team, she said in terms of classes, her experience has been “alright”. Curley shared that she has been fully online this year, with no in-person classes during her fall or spring semester. “It is a different experience taking senior-level courses fully online at my own pace. It is not what I expected of my senior year school-wise, and basketball-wise as well.”
To make things worse, Curley had a tonsillectomy due to some recurring issues prior to the start of the season. She felt she got a slow start getting back into the swing of things. In a time when people are putting their health first due to the pandemic, Kristen knew she was fortunate she had the opportunity to address her needs when it came to her own health.
At this point, they have had one game so far against Rhode Island College. “We are supposed to play 6 games in all, which is upsetting compared to a normal season,” she said. Curley is grateful that the university has worked diligently to allow them to compete this season while putting protocols in place to keep everyone safe.
As for her future plans, Curley said, “I am graduating this May, and my plans are to move home for a little while to work this summer and figure out what my next move is. With everything so up in the air, it is hard to navigate plans for after graduation. I am looking forward to spending time with my parents and having the chance to really consider all of my options after graduation.”
When it comes to the spring sports season, Bean said the university is hopeful that it may be salvaged in some way saying, “this group of athletes has already lost one full season.” The numbers seem to be trending in the right direction, however, he said the university will carefully monitor the virus, the situation in Maine as well as other areas of New England where we travel to help inform their decisions.
“Our students and coaches badly want to play and have greatly missed the interaction, the sports they love and the outlet. Our staff has worked very hard to keep them engaged and on track academically, socially and physically. We are respecting the health crisis, trusting the science and trying to move forward safely at the same time,” Bean said.