Athletics

Dear Spartan Student-Athletes and Athletics Community,

It is still unimaginable that this spring semester ended so quickly and our spring sports seasons were taken away without warning. The decisions that were made by the NCAA, our conferences, and our University were done to aid in the fight against a global public health crisis. We understand the importance of athletics on our campus and in the community and understand the role that athletics plays in your daily lives. We know that you will never get this spring season and your non-traditional seasons back and there is nothing to replace all that would have occurred with you and your teammates. I am thankful, however, to see that our student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff have handled this situation The Castleton Way, with Spartan pride and class.

I cannot express enough how saddened I am for our graduating seniors who will not have the opportunity to wear their Spartan uniform again. There were no conference championships, conference honors, record-setting performances, and no senior day recognition. The entire athletic department shared in the disappointment with our senior athletes of their early departure from campus and termination of their senior year of competition. Although the 2020 spring sports season was taken away from our seniors, the life lessons learned from being a part of an athletic program—including sacrifice, dedication, leadership, and teamwork—will be carried with you for the rest of your lives. The friendships and relationships made through athletics will stay with you wherever you go. We look forward to seeing you on campus for Homecoming Weekend, alumni socials, and athletic events. You and your teammates will always be a part of our Spartan family.

It has been disheartening to hear the number of student-athlete’s families who have been affected by this pandemic, but I am also encouraged by the stories from our current student-athletes and our alumni who are in the medical field, National Guard, or have volunteered to help get their communities through this crisis. I am proud of our students and the leadership roles that they have taken on.

I look forward to seeing our athletic fields active again and having our Spartan Athletic Complex filled with the energy and excitement of game day competition from our student-athletes. We are excited about filling our bleachers again with our parents, fans, and community members wearing our 343 Green! I wish you all the best and hope to see all of you back on our campus soon.

Go Spartans!

Deanna Tyson Associate Dean for Athletics and Recreation