7 SFCC GYM NOW OPEN

SFCC sports put on hold for the season

Students continue can even start discussing and that was conference to train while being starting sports now. “Whatever Spokane wide.” That means that if a unable to compete County can do they {the athletes} can do,” he said. “ The student athlete was a sophomore last year, they can

Aggie Bennett county is currently in phase still compete this continuing 2 and no sports can partic- sports year.

The Communicator ipate in competition until “Soccer wise, I don’t the whole county is in phase think it’s affecting the athletes During these crazy uncertain times, everyone has found themselves just sitting and waiting for life to go back to normal. If you’re a sports fan here on campus, you might find yourself waiting longer than expected for sports to kick back into full gear. “Every sport has been canceled until winter and spring season,” said James Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is the Athletic Director and Dean of PE and Recreation here at CCS. “All sports are training and following Spokane Regional Health Guidelines: wear a mask, groups of five people or less, and stay six feet apart,” he said. It is just a waiting game for when they 3.” Fitzgerald met with staff and athletes at the beginning of this school year to talk about how things would look and leave them with some wise words of advice if they dream of a season any time soon. “If you want any hope of competition, this has to be a team effort,” he said. “You might want to think twice, next time, before going to that house party {or large social gathering}.” These restrictions aren’t really affecting the athletes much, however, even if they can’t compete. “Student’s sports scholarships still count,” Fitzgerald said. “Spring sports that did not compete this last year did not lose eligibility, too much,” said Brock Ogami. Ogami is the head women’s soccer coach here at CCS. “It’s an adjustment but I think we are just thankful to be able to be out training again and being together as a group,” he said. “The challenge has always been balancing athletics, school, and for a lot of them part time jobs. Our students at CCS as a whole think the challenge is being moved to online learning. That’s not going to suit everyone’s learning style.” Athletes seem to be making the best out of this substandard situation. All that they can do now is plan that a season will happen in the

Hiking near SFCC

Find new places to explore near campus while exercising

Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator Left: Isaac Pastrana, right: Thomas Mckenna, at batting practice.

near future. “Honestly, I have no clue what the future holds for our season or even what to think because of how much things keep changing,” Ogami said. “I’m extremely hopeful the season happens but right now the focus is on having a good training session Monday, making sure our grades meet our standards, and getting our 2021 recruiting class squared away.” Nobody imagined a pandemic happening, especially in 2020, but it did. Now, the only thing that can be done is to make the best out of these circumstances. The athletic department here at CCS is sure doing that!

Kalyn Sande The Communicator

Taking breaks from studying is a must for college students, and there’s no better way to get freshed then to get out and enjoy some nature.

Hiking is a great way to escape from stress and get exercise in at the same time. The increase in blood flow will help the brain perform better after returning. There are many beautiful hiking spots to adventure here in Spokane, and fortunately these locations are near the SFCC campus. These breathtaking places are waiting to be explored.

Indian Canyon Mystic Falls is a very short hike that leads to a little waterfall. Everyone who lives in Spokane should go here at least once, because it’s an easy hike and well worth the experience. “The trail is short and suitable for the whole family. In the spring, summer, and fall seasons, the trail is easily accessible and moderately trafficked by other hikers. In the winter months, the falls and adjoining creek freeze, which makes it a popular ice climbing destination,” says Mason Smith of Outdoor Project.

From the parking lot of Indian Canyon Park, the waterfall can be heard. It can be found by following the sounds, but there are many different trails to take. Beautiful greenery is seen everywhere on the way down.

“It is mystic, and it has a grandeur I would never have expected in Spokane,” said Debbie Cole, a Spokane resident, in the Spokesman review.

Remember the destination isn’t always what it’s about.

Riverside State Park Bowl & Pitcher is probably one of the more popular hiking locations. This is a short 2.1 mile loop that starts out with the famous swinging bridge. There are marvelous basalt structures and the river rapids surrounding it. It’s a great place for picture taking and other

Kalyn Sande | The Communicator Sarah Duncan and her dog Bently on a walk at Bowl and Pitcher on a hike.

activities.

“Riverside State Park encompases 14,000 acres and offers excellent hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, biking, and fishing. The Spokane and Little Spokane rivers both flow through the park, so there are plentiful boating opportunities as well,” says Joe Timms of Outdoor Project. Many people come here to enjoy how amazing the scenery is here, but there is also a large variety of things to do.

Military Cemetery Trailhead is another great one for hiking, running, horseback riding, and sight seeing. The path starts at the southeast end of Mission Park and south on the trail. This will go through the Gonzaga campus and then shortly to a wooden bridge. It continues to follow the Centennial Trail medallions for about 1.6 miles.