Castleton Magazine | Fall 2020

Dear Spartan Student-Athletes and Athletics Community, As I look out at Dave Wolk Stadium I find myself at a loss. Never in my 20-plus years at Castleton have I ever faced the start of a season knowing there will be no competition for any of our many athletic teams for the semester. Like many athletic directors across the country, I am working with our dedicated coaches to try to bring some normalcy to our studentathletes and their daily lives as they train for their sport not knowing what next semester will bring. Although all of our students are taking their classes online, I am thankful for those student-athletes that have had the opportunity to return to campus to train and be with their coaches and teammates.

NCAA guidelines as well as state regulations have been put in place to protect our studentathletes, and I am very proud of our student population as they follow new rules and regulations to keep everyone safe. As a former Division I field hockey player, I cannot imagine wearing a mouth guard and a mask over my face while running down our turf field on an 80 degree day, yet I have not heard any objections from our student-athletes. They are not allowed in their locker rooms, they have strict rules for using the athletic training room, they are working with their strength coaches outside on the turf instead of in the weight room, and yet they have no complaints. Our student-athletes came back to campus following all of the guidelines for COVID-19 testing procedures and are willing to follow any rules or changes that may occur so that they can practice. I am amazed at their commitment to want to be here on campus and to be able to continue to be a part of their team.

I am hopeful that our teams will be able to compete after January 1. Our winter sports plan on playing a limited number of contests that would include conference play only. Our spring schedule has not changed at this point and we are exploring options for our fall sports to play an abbreviated conference schedule as well. I cannot say what our stands will look like for our winter sports—and only time will tell—but I hope that you will continue to support our athletes as they get back to competition. I hope your enthusiasm for being able to watch our Spartans compete will be as strong as their excitement to be back in their uniform representing Castleton University! Please stay safe, all my best.

Go Spartans!

Deanna Tyson Associate Dean for Athletics & Recreation Castleton University