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As an administrator, this is such a trying time. I work each and every day for our Greyhound student-athletes. My work has now turned into making sure these student-athletes are okay, instead of helping them prepare for Nationals, an upcoming season, an upcoming class, or just hearing about their weekends.
As a part of this transition, I was at the 2020 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, serving as the chair of the NCAA Wrestling Committee. Following the NCAA decision, I went out to the competition floor, where teams were warming up 17 hours from weighing in for the first day of competition. I told the teams on the floor we would not be having a National Championship, and then FaceTimed my UIndy student-athletes. Ana Abduljelil and Brody Conner are both seniors, both of whom qualified for the third time and saw this as their chance to be an All-American.
I followed with calls to each of the coaches whose teams were competing, including FaceTime calls to coaches from McKendree and Lindenwood to personally talk with Nick Foster and Marcus Povlick -- both seniors and both No. 1 seeds at their respective weight classes for the Bearcats, and Carlos Jacquez -- a senior and defending national champion at 125 from the Lions.
The first coach I saw on my way to the floor was Mike Denney of Maryville, who immediately comforted me as I gave my best to his lone qualifier, senior and former All-American Tyler Harrington. I also spoke with James Reynolds from Drury and gave my best to Peter Kuster and Jared Rennick.
Emotions ran high that day, and have continued to be at the forefront of conversations in the time since. This is such an unprecedented time, with campuses closed and all classes online. When will our student-athletes be able to see their teammates again? When will our campuses return to the normal bustling worlds they are?
We are lucky to have the family that is intercollegiate athletics in this trying time. My best to all of the GLVC Family. I am here for you.
Are you a student-athlete, coach, administrator or a part of the athletics support staff on campus, and want to share your story during these challenging times? We are Somone To Listen. CLICK HERE to submit your story today. We would love to hear from all of you!