Volume 135 No. 4

The Springfield Student Est. 1910

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

scstudentmedia.com // @TheSpfldStudent

Volume 135 No. 4

YOUR VOTE MATTERS HOW and WHY it matters that you get registered and cast a vote this year.

Pages 4 & 5

In the past, college-aged students have been the most frequent age group eligible to vote that do not exercise the right. It’s imperative that changes this year. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Marketing & Communications)

On the Inside The first, and hopefully last, virtual all college meeting was held this week.

The fires raging in California have an effect all the way here in Springfield.

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September 24, 2020

COVID

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COVID and the flu season As summer turns to fall, following guidelines is as important as ever with the increase in cases of the common cold and the flu.

By Irene Rotondo @irenerrotondo

A

month has passed since the return of students to Springfield College classrooms and residence halls. After arrival, students were placed into two different rotation groups (A

or B) and then personally chose a time for themselves to be tested for COVID-19 bi-weekly. Student-athletes, along with students with needs pertaining to their programs, are tested every week, instead of

bi-weekly.

Springfield College seems to have the virus pretty much under control thus far.

Just two cases have returned positive, and one of those cases never even stepped foot on campus other

than the Health Center’s testing site.

Christine Johnston, Assistant Director of Alcohol and Other Drug Educations and Health Promotions, stated that students must keep up the good work and not become

complacent. Even though there are just two positive cases, that statistic could change at any given time. “Obviously things can change in the blink of an eye, so, so far so See COVID on Page 10

September 24, 2020

All College Meeting

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Meeting at a distance

This year’s all college meeting was forced to be held remotely due to COVID.

By Collin Atwood @collinatwood_17

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n Monday, Sept. 21, students and faculty were welcomed to attend Springfield College’s annual All College Meeting. If times were normal, the meeting would have been held in Blake Arena like it has been in years past. Unfortunately, that couldn’t happen. This year Springfield College held its first, and hopefully last, Virtual All College Meeting.

President Mary-Beth Cooper opened up by acknowledging the fact that the college had to make some difficult decisions due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

“We approach these decisions being mindful of three priorities,” Cooper said.

The three main priorities were preserving the school’s core mission, keeping the employees at the forefront and making sure that Springfield College maintains its stability.

Cooper then got into the budget issue that the college has faced. “The impact on our budget was clear and significant,” Cooper said.

The estimated impact to the budget related to COVID-19 was about four million dollars. Other private colleges that are about

the same size produced similar results. Action was taken right away concerning the budget. Some actions include freezing hiring, suspending travel and significantly reducing budgets.

Cooper states that some staff members did have to be furloughed, but many have returned.

“Our budget difficulties are not behind us and we continue to evaluate our options for achieving a balanced budget. We’re not there yet,” Cooper said.

Unlike most schools, Springfield College exceeded its enrollment goal by having 622 first year students enroll in Springfield College this semester.

That is the largest first year class since 2016.

After giving high praise to the enrollment process, Cooper then dove into COVID-19 testing at Springfield College. “A key to welcoming students back was establishing a testing protocol that would allow us to identify positive cases among the student body as early as possible.”

Like many other schools in Massachusetts, Springfield College partnered with the Broad Institute from MIT for its testing program.

Over 5,500 tests have been given at the college and just two people have tested positive for COVID-19. “This is again an example of Springfield

College and our students approaching this pandemic from a Humanics perspective,” Cooper said.

Cooper then introduced three speakers who each talked on their respective topics. Sofija Zargins spoke on behalf of the Faculty Senate, Jen Vigneault spoke on behalf of the Staff Council and Freddy Clark spoke on behalf of the Student Government Association (SGA).

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) was the next topic of discussion. “Once a decade, every ten years, whether you like it or not, colleges and universities receive federal financial aid. Those that receive federal financial aid participate in a voluntary peer review process through our regional accreditation agency,” Cooper said.

From Sept. 27-30, eight volunteers from other New England institutions will be virtually visiting Springfield College. “While we’ve been managing a global pandemic, we’ve also been immersed in the work of evaluating what we do against the nine standards of accreditation,” Cooper said.

Cooper wants the campus community to know that the college is in a strong position and is financially sound.

Cooper moved on to discuss the work being done to address anti-racism

and social justice. “I want to acknowledge and thank the students who bravely and candidly shared their experiences and concerns, but also their hopes and expectations of this community.”

To help contribute to change on campus, the Campus Program Planning Committee on Race introduced 17 priorities to focus on. “I encourage you, if you are a person who wants to make Springfield College better, to join one of these committees,” Cooper said.

Cooper puts a lot of emphasis on the fact that this is not on the back burner and is a daily priority. She plans to meet with student leaders today to talk about more that can be done tomorrow.

“We will make sure that this work continues to be a high priority.”

To close the meeting off, Cooper announced the

Cheney award recipients, Brian and Deleney Magoffin. Brian is the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Deleney is the Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Campus Visits.

The Magoffins won this award because of their loyalty to Springfield College and because of their commitment to the Humanics philosophy.

Cooper officially ended the meeting on a positive note telling everyone who attended how much she loves being President of Springfield College.

“We’re going to be here another 135 years and I’m going to make sure of it.”

Next week, a more indepth story on Brian and Deleney Magoffin winning the Cheney award will be written.

Cheney award recipients Brian and Deleney Magoffin will be highlighted in next week’s paper. (Photo Courtesy of Brian and Deleney Magoffin)

September 24, 2020

Vote

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Margaros: Go and cast your vote Voting in the election this year is as important as ever, especially for college students.

Co-Editor-in-Chief Jack Margaros. (Photo Courtesy of Joe Arruda/The Student)

By Jack Margaros @JackMargaros

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asting your vote is one of the simplest, yet most impactful things you can country. do for your It takes minimal effort, and greatly impacts your state’s electoral standing.

There were 232 million Americans eligible to vote in 2016, and only 60 percent of them actually exercised their right, according to Business Insider.

That figure, compared to the last two elections, is high, but voting numbers have remained stagnant for the past two decades -nothing like the late 1800s and early 1900s, when three- quarters of eligible voters did so.

Granted, the population of the United States has been on the rise for a number of years. Tuesday marks National Voter Registration Day, a national movement to make sure Americans’ voices can be heard. Since the holiday’s

inception in 2012, nearly 3 million Americans have registered on the fourth Tuesday of September in the past two elections.

There’s always those people who choose not to vote simply because they don’t want to be associated with either party.

But the decision to be apolitical is a political decision in itself. Silence communicates that you don’t care and the country is fine where it’s at. With this stance, you shelter yourself from the inequalities and injustices that are present in the United States, and there’s been a lot in the past six months.

In a country where we have the ability to choose our leaders, it’s exceedingly disappointing that 40 percent of the eligible population (93 million Americans) don’t recognize the privilege of voting and the impact those votes could have made.

It’s so easy to criticize

our leaders, yet seemingly difficult to fill out a ballot.

If you are unsatisfied with our current administration, then vote.

If you are satisfied with our current administration, then vote.

It is the best way to immediately impact your country, for change or not.

Especially in the 2020 Presidential Election, the candidates could not be more pitted against each other. Supporters on both sides fervently despise the other. The candidates constantly bash each other. No doubt, it could be one of the more eventful elections in recent history.

Voting helps, even if it does not seem like it. The 2016 Election was very close. Hilary Clinton even won the popular vote, but Donald Trump won the Electoral College. Swing states, or states that could be reasonably won by either the Republican or Democrat party, are even

more important. In 2016, Trump’s margin of victory in the swing states was less than 1 percent. Five hundred votes one way or the other could have changed the outcome.

We have several students on this campus from the supposed swing states this year: Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and even my home state of Virginia.

Those votes carry even more weight.

Your vote could be part of a small group that swings the momentum the opposite way. With mail-in voting becoming a more accessible option this year, the process is even simpler.

The national push toward voting is encouraging to see. LeBron James’ More than a Vote initiative fights voter suppression. NBA arenas are opening their doors as polling sites.

There’s always encouragement to vote once election time hits, but I don’t remember a movement this

large in my lifetime.

Especially within my age group, I’m hoping we’ll see record turnout among the 18-29 age group.

According to a Brookings report, 50 percent of the eligible 18-29 year olds voted in the 2016 election.

The turnout has been stagnant over the past four elections, but got as low as 41 percent in 2000.

That needs to change.

The events that have transpired in the past six months have inspired Americans to recognize the importance of this election, and question the legitimacy of each candidates’ plan to lead us out of it all.

We, as a campus community, must follow suit.

Go and cast your vote.

It matters.

September 24, 2020

Vote

Get registered to vote

By Jacque St. Jean @jstjean2@springfield.edu

The complete instructions on how to register to vote, if you have not done so already.

A

s Election Day approaches on Nov. 3, it is important to know two things: how to register to vote, and how to actually cast a vote.

While voter turnout has been increasing since the last election, it is imperative to vote this year. In 2016, only 43 percent of 18-24-year-old students voted. As Jack Margaros wrote in his column, “Go and cast your vote.

It matters.” Here, I will show you the steps you need to take in order to be ready come November to cast your vote for our president for the next four years.

First, determine which state you are voting in. If you are a Massachusetts resident, you can register to vote within the Commonwealth online at https:// www.sec.state.ma.us/ ovr/. If you are not a Mass. resident, but you want to vote in the state, you will have to fill out and mail in a voter registration form.

All you need to do is fill out the form online on the website, print it out, and mail it or deliver it personally to the Springfield City Hall. You can also register in person

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Voting and registering to vote are both important tasks to consider as November approaches. (Photo Courtesy of Jacque St. Jean/The Student)

at the town hall at the Springfield Board of Elections, the Secretary of State’s office, or any Massachusetts social service agency. The deadline to register for the election is Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. eastern time.

You can also decide to vote early in Massachusetts, and you do not need to provide an excuse to do so. Early voting will take place

between Oct. 17 and Oct. 30, and you can mail in your ballot or vote early in person. Schedules and locations for early voting will be posted on http:// www.massearlyvote. com/ no later than Oct. 9.

One of the perks of voting in the state of Massachusetts is that you will not have to travel far to cast your vote. Residing at

Springfield College, your voting location will be right next door at the AIC Sprague Arts Center. In the era of COVID-19, it might be safer to travel a couple miles and stay within the Bay State to vote instead of crossing state lines.

For more information on your registration status and election information, head to https://www.sec. state.ma.us/index.htm .

If you plan to vote in your home state, I would recommend doing so by mail-in voting. Head to https://www.usa.gov/ absentee-voting to further look into your state election office’s specific rules. You can also register to be a mail-in voter at the same site. If you are a Massachusetts resident, however, you can still choose to vote by mail, and it is also a safe option if you are looking to limit your exposure to COVID. One thing to note here is that if you have strong political views, and your state is a swing state, it may be more beneficial to cast your vote by mailin voting for your home state. But it is important to understand that every vote, no matter the state, is important.

For overall general information on this year’s election, such as how to actually vote, how to decide who to vote for, and more, head to https://www.usa.gov/ voting . Remember the dates. Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. is the deadline to register in the state. Nov. 3 is Election Day. Register in your respective states, and cast your vote!

September 24, 2020

Minds in Motion

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Minds in Motion

A new club on campus is a safe space to discuss mental health.

From left to right: Cameron Borges, Aly Coyle and Abby Murdock; the creators of the Minds in Motion club. (Photos Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

By Carley Crain @carley_crain12

S

pringfield’s newest club, Minds in Motion, is looking forward to educating the Springfield College community about mental health and self-care practices.

Newly formed by Springfield student-athletes Abby Murdock, Aly Coyle, and Cameron Borges, the club is focusing on creating an open and safe environment for students to share their personal mental health experiences.

The idea for Minds in Motion was inspired by mental health and body image advocate Victoria Garrick, who came and spoke to Springfield student-athletes last school year. After Garrick came and spoke, her message really resonated with

Murdock and Coyle, thus the idea for Minds in Motion was formed.

After connecting with the counseling center, Borges joined the project, as well as a few graduate assistants, advisor Lauren Gray, and the head of the counseling center Brian Krylowicz. The original goal was to start the club last year, but with COVID cutting last semester short, plans changed to start up Minds in Motion this fall.

As a new club on campus this year their main goal and mission statement is to “aspire, educate, and promote mental health practices, techniques and conversations to uplift the Springfield College Community.” The club wants to provide the

Springfield College community with a safe and open environment to talk about mental health and the stigma surrounding it.

“Pretty much we want to educate people and promote mental health and well-being, ‘’ said co-founder of Minds In Motion Abby Murdock. “Especially right now, it is really important during this time with COVID.” Minds In Motion is striving to have open and honest conversations with students, and to create a community of positivity.

“I think in a college atmosphere, it is really important to have kids take the initiative and understand that it is okay to go through tough times, and it is

okay that someone might not be in the best place,” said co-founder Cam Borges. “I think what is important is having people around you that want nothing (other) than the best for you.”

Their first event of the year is this upcoming Friday right outside of the Union, as they are having an informational booth about suicide, since September is suicide prevention month.

The club is planning on doing more informational booths like this throughout the semester about a variety of mental health topics.

They are also working on having a guest speaker attend one of their weekly zoom meetings, as well as hosting some self-care activities.

Starting up a new

club on campus has definitely been a challenge with COVID restrictions, but Minds In Motion is working on coming up with new and creative ways to get students involved.

“I think it has been really difficult starting up a new club online because there are a lot of things that we cannot do and a lot of the ideas that we brainstormed are not realistic anymore,” said Murdock. “We have been working on creative ways to get people engaged.”

To join Minds in Motion and to stay connected with the club throughout the semester, zoom meetings are held every Thursday night at 8 p.m. and their Instagram page is @mindsinmotion_sc.

September 24, 2020

COVID Campus

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A socially distant campus COVID guidelines have left Springfield a shell of its former self.

By Garrett Cote Contributor

E

verything looks, feels, and sounds a little different this year on Alden Street. As students immerse in their fourth week of classes, they are starting to get the hang of how exactly things are going to go for the remainder of the semester.

Social distancing, wearing masks, not being able to hangout in large groups in one area, and having some classes being taught through Zoom are just a few of the many regulations Springfield College has set out to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff for the fall semester.

A handful of students have actually decided to stay at home for the semester, as they figured it would be a cheaper option without having to put themselves at risk of contracting COVID-19.

There are many different perspectives from the students here on campus, as ideas seem to differ based on whether or not they are an athlete, graduation year, and their position here on campus.

Sophomore William Parrott, who is a wrestler at Springfield, said he has noticed a very wide range of reactions to the regulations set on campus.

“This experience here is definitely something that is different for all of us,” Parrott stated. “I have seen a wide variety of reactions from lots of my peers.

Some seem down and out, others are acting up-beat and excited as if everything is normal.”

One way to cope with something this serious could be to make the most out of it, as Parrott continued, “I like seeing the people who are acting happy and content with just being back on campus, it brightens the mood for others around.”

He emphasized that those who are upset and unhappy with the rules that have been set need to realize that the more strictly everyone follows the rules, the better chance we have at treating the virus and staying here on campus.

As for the seniors on campus, it’s all about making it to the end of the Spring semester, so they can have a normal graduation ceremony and receive their diplomas the normal way, not via postal services.

Willow Mennone, a senior and resident assistant in International Hall, feels as if underclassmen are not following guidelines to the best of their ability. “As an RA, I have seen many cases where students walk around their resident hall without masks on,” Men-

none said. She graduates this year and spotlighted the importance of remaining on campus for the rest of the year.

“The more I see students not following community guidelines, I always think about how they are ruining not only my chance of enjoying my last year on campus, but the hundreds of others who are also graduating this year,” Mennone said.

Not only are the on-campus experiences different for all students, but so are their classroom experiences. Sophomore Paige Butler, an athletic training major, noted that she has to clean her desk after every sitting in some of her classes.

“Things are a lot different in every one of my classes,” Butler offered.

“Not only do I have to disinfect everything I touch, but I also can’t do any of the hands-on stuff that my courses often require.”

As an athletic training major, Butler talked about how important hands on activities are for her major.

“I can’t learn a lot of the things that I am supposed to in my courses this year because we have to stay six feet apart, it’s very frustrating,” she said.

Clinical hours are a necessity for athletic training majors, as you need a certain amount of them to be able to take the

BOC exam, which is an exam for athletic training majors. Butler noted that if students get sent home due to a COVID-19 outbreak, she would not be able to meet her required hours, meaning she would not be able to take the test.

Mental health is another very important aspect of everyday life, and that is one notion that has been altered for many so far this year. “It’s obviously very hard to ignore it,” Parrott said. “It’s one of those things that lingers with you every minute of the day. I have just tried to talk about everything I’m

feeling, it’s helped me vent and feel free.”

It is clear that many, many important commodities are at stake for the majority of people on campus, so it is important that everyone continues to strictly follow all guidelines that have been set.

One thing is for sure, this year is entirely different for every human that has stepped foot on campus.

Everyone is adapting, everyone is learning, and everyone, for the most part, is doing their best to follow the guidelines and keep the Springfield College community safe.

Classrooms appear much emptier and students remain spaced apart due to COVID guidelines. (Photo Courtesy of Irene Rotondo/The Student)

September 24, 2020

By Cait Kemp @caitlinkemp09

C

California Fires

Trouble blazin’

alifornia is in an The effects of the California wildfires stretch far immense beyond the state itself. struggle to survive with the wildfires that continue to rage across the coast, while also dealing with the lasting problem of COVID-19. These fires are to blame for over 20 deaths and the destruction of thousands of buildings.

Although the fires are burning across the country, Springfield College is home to students from near and far, some being from the west coast whose families are within the chaos. Springfield College student Justin Abby Wright (left) and her family are from Manhattan Beach, California.

(Photo Courtesy of Abby Wright) Brosnan of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. is dealing with the concerns of the fires, despite being here on Alden Street.

“My brother goes to school at the University of Oregon and he had to evacuate up there because of the fires in Oregon so he had to make a move… but in California thankfully [my family] hasn’t been affected,” said Brosnan.

The fires are mainly in southern California, so Brosnan’s family Justin Brosnan (right) and his family are from Rancho Santa Margarita, California. is far enough away (Photo Courtesy of Justin Brosnan) from the problem

PAGE 8 areas right now. Abby Wright of Manhattan Beach, Calif. is having a similar experience as Brosnan.

“It’s scary to think about it sometimes, but they are far enough from the fires to remain safe right now. Just sending all my thoughts and prayers to all the people and nature being affected,” said Wright.

However, family members have experienced some effects of the wildfires even though they are not in the midst of it.

“The other day when I was FaceTiming my mom, there were bits of ash falling from the sky kind of like snow,” she said. “Now that the fires have gotten so out of control, it’s more being cautious to do their part in not spreading it.”

Brosnan agrees with the sentiment of fear.

“It’s definitely scary at times knowing that a lot of bad stuff could happen… a lot of the stuff I know and love could be destroyed,” he said.

“The thing that really scares me the most is the pictures they send to me, it’s completely orange, and ash everywhere. It’s definitely unsettling knowing

September 24, 2020 I’m here completely fine, while there’s fires all over California.”

Another Springfield College student, Jarrett Anderson, is currently home in San Jose, California, experiencing the wildfires first-hand.

“These wildfires are heartbreaking since they have affected communities throughout all of California.

The wildfires, along with the pandemic, just makes things a lot more challenging, especially for those that are directly involved,” Anderson said.

Fortunately for him, there are no big threats around his home. However, others are not as lucky.

“We did receive alerts about having to potentially evacuate due to the fires rapidly spreading when they first started a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, we do know people who had to evacuate, and even lost their homes,” Anderson added.

One thing that is common - staying inside to stay safe.

Sounds familiar, right?

In the wake of a pandemic, the added struggle of wildfires can only make matters worse, but civilians have had to do what all of the U.S. has been

California Fires

PAGE 9

A few looks at the effects the fires have had in California. Smoke covers the skys on a consistent basis as firefighters try to contain the flames. (Photos Courtesy of Justin Brosnan)

told to do the past several months in quarantine.

“To stay safe, we simply just stayed put and remained inside. Some days were much better than others, so every now and then we were able to get out of the house, but for the most part we just tried to avoid breathing in the unhealthy air,” said Anderson. Wright agrees, saying her family took similar precautions.

“Limiting time outside can be helpful just due to the air quality,” she said.

In these unforeseen times, it can be hard to stay positive and continue on with everyday life.

Staying hopeful is something that is important though.

“I think it’s just the worst of the worst… but I think people are doing a good job of having a good attitude about it and kind of just taking it day by day,” said Brosnan.

As the wildfires continue to roar down the coast of California and other surrounding states, the only thing to do is take it day by day. For those trapped in the middle of the crisis now, the best hope is things come to an end soon.

September 24, 2020

COVID

PAGE 10

COVID continued from Page 3

good, and everybody keep doing everything that you can so that we can stay here,” said Johnston.

“It’s really easy to get complacent, now that we’ve had several weeks of pretty much all negative tests, and so students, along with everyone, you know, they get tired of the rules, and we just want to be mindful that we have to keep those rules in place for the entire semester,” she added.

This past week also marked the beginning of fall and, along with it, the official start to the cold and flu season. Since there have been so few cases on campus, students may not immediately jump to the conclusion of “Coronavirus” when they start to feel sick, and may not even suspect it to be the virus at all according to their symptoms.

However, everybody is on high alert these days, and the slightest cough in a room full of people could earn some glares.

Students are left wondering what they should do in the event that they feel sick, but don’t think that it’s COVID-19. Johnston suggested students

should call the Health Center so both parties can make proper arrangements together.

“It’s hard to know, especially with a traditional college-aged student, what we’ve got,” said Johnston.

“We’re going to get the traditional cold, strep throat, and all that kind of stuff.

We’re encouraging all students, if they’re not feeling well, to stay in their room, if they do have to go out to be wearing their mask, and to call the Health Center.

“We’re here, we actually have sevenday-a-week hours now, for you to be medically evaluated by a provider. It may include an additional COVID test, it may include something like a test for strep throat, and the provider is asking you to stay in your room until those test results come back.”

Even though it will be cold and flu season, the flu risk will hopefully be minimized for Springfield College students. An email was sent on Sept. 18, telling students that a flu shot was required by Dec. 31, 2020 in order to be enrolled in the spring semester.

Many were con-

“

We’re encouraging all students, if they’re not feeling well, to stay in their room, if they do have to go out to be wearing their mask,, and to call the health center.”.”

Christine Johnston fused as to why they were required to have the vaccination, while the faculty and administration were not, thinking the reasoning had to be linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Springfield College is actually not the proponent of the required flu vaccinations; on Aug. 18, 2020, Commonwealth of Massachusetts state officials announced that flu vaccines are now required for the 2020-2021 academic year for all students or children (six months of age or older) who attend Massachusetts child care, pre-school, kindergarten, K-12,

and colleges and universities.

“It’s being encouraged for faculty and staff and many faculty and staff will take advantage of that, I certainly will, but we are actually following a Commonwealth guideline that says anyone enrolled in education needs to be getting their flu shot… that is brand-new, that came out this summer,” said Johnston.

“And honestly, we don’t know what’s going to happen if somebody gets the flu and COVID at the same time, that’s really doing a number on your immune system,

so any way that we can stay healthy is a good way,” added Johnston.

Flu shots are being administered by the Health Center this week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and time slots for those days have already been sent out by email. If students choose to receive their vaccination from an outside provider, the Health Center is requiring those who do so to mail, email, fax, or drop off their proof of immunization in person.

September 24, 2020

Rules On-Campus

PAGE 11

Sports

September 24, 2020

PAGE 12

‘My Story, My Truth’

A new initiative from Springfield College Athletics encourages student-athletes of color to share their stories. __ By Danny Priest __ @dpriest3

There’s no doubting that this semester at Springfield College looks and feels much different than any other semester in the school’s 135-year history.

The lack of sports presented a unique challenge for the school’s athletic department: finding ways to continue posting content with no teams playing.

The result has been the creation of a series that has the potential to be more impactful than any game played between the lines of Blake Arena, Stagg Field or any other sporting venue on campus.

The series is called ‘My Story, My Truth’ and it debuted on the Springfield College athletics Instagram page (@springfieldathletics) on Sept. 12.

The five-minute video featured Adaeze Alaeze-Dinma talking about her experiences as a Black woman and former student-athlete.

Alaeze-Dinma primarily focused on the importance of people using their voices and supporting those around them in their community.

Alaeze-Dinma, who goes

by Daisy, was named the Coordinator of Student-Athlete Leadership Development and Sports Communication Assistant over the summer. The new series was an idea that she brought with her to Alden Street this July.

“I just thought it would be important, even at the collegiate level, for our-student athletes to just have a say,” she said of starting the series.

“More than an athlete, we’re people, we’re humans, we have feelings, we’re just like the next person. I just felt as though it would be a great time for them to help them find their voice and then help enhance their voice in the community.”

Alaeze-Dinma was a four-year basketball standout at Virginia Commonwealth University, played basketball professionally in Spain, and was a member of the Nigerian women’s basketball team.

She knows first-hand what the life of a Black student-athlete is like and how important it is for individuals to be comfort-

(Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

able sharing their stories.

With the current heightened awareness in the country regarding social justice and equality, now is the perfect time for the ‘My Story, My Truth’ series to launch at Springfield.

“They (Black student-athletes) need more of a voice, and all of these things that are being done and said for them, let’s actually hear what they want and what they’re experiencing and how they feel,” Alaeze-Dinma said.

While the student-athletes are taking a big step by being comfortable enough to share their stories, it’s also on the viewers to understand and process the truths that are being shared.

“I just encourage people to continue to be open-minded and if you really do care about people, you’ll care about their stories,” Alaeze-Dinma said. “It’s not just about being sympathetic to the fact that ‘wow, I hate the fact that you’re going through this,’ but just I feel like people who are open minded have the abil-

ity to be empathetic.

“When you have the ability to be empathetic to a situation, or to a group, or to someone with something that they are going through, you are then allowing yourself to not only believe their truth and their experience, but you as best as you possibly can put yourself in their shoes or their position.”

Among the thousands of Division III programs across the country, Springfield is one of the few who are giving their black student-athletes a platform to share their lived experiences. the only one to be doing a project like this.

“We’ve certainly framed this out similar to what Clemson has done. Clemson did a series a couple of months ago called ‘Voices,’ that ours has a very similar look and feel to,” said Assistant Athletic Director of Communications Brian Magoffin.

“Little different reach than Clemson does, but the stories are just as powerful and matter just as much if you’re playing on national television on a

Saturday night or if you’re competing in front of your classmates in Blake Arena’,” he added.

The plan for the series is to continue posting videos weekly, so long as Black student-athletes are willing to keep sharing their truths. Thus far, the response has been exceedingly positive.

As for the viewers, the important aspect to remember is these videos are not about hardships. They are about understanding the struggles of a person in the community and supporting them for rising above it.

“I guess that all I can say is just continue to be good people and be empathetic towards people,” Alaeze-Dinma said. “Not sympathetic, but empathetic because we don’t need pity, but we just want your understanding.”

The series can be viewed on both Instagram (@ springfieldathletics) and on the Springfield College YouTube page and episodes will be coming out weekly over the course of the semester.

September 24, 2020

Sports

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Crain: Thank you, COVID

(Photo by Aidan Harmer)

A member of the Springfield College cross-country team reflects on how the coronavirus has affected her love for the sport.

___ By Carley Crain ___ @carley_crain12

After a knee injury last year that forced me to stop running for months, you could say I was pretty excited for a new start this year. 2020 was going to be my redemption year when it came to running and I was so ready. All of a sudden, COVID-19 hit and we were faced with a global pandemic. Soon enough my fall sophomore cross country season was canceled and track is still up in the air.

I remember the day that Springfield College canceled fall sports like it was yesterday. I read the email over and over

because I did not want to comprehend the news.

At first, I refused to accept the reality of no fall sports and it felt like my identity was stripped away from me.

I was upset, angry, devastated and confused.

For weeks, I stared at a blank wall for hours while on the stationary bike training to get back into shape after my injury. I kept telling myself that all the hours of cross training would be worth it because soon enough I would be back to racing. Well, turns out racing had been postponed - and I had no idea when I’d toe the line next.

All the motivation I had for the upcoming season quickly dwindled away and I could not get myself to go on runs for a while. I kept asking myself, “what’s the point?” and “why am I doing this?” I then slowly came to realize that I had to rediscover my why.

Why do I love running?

Why did I choose to do this sport?

I started to put less pressure on myself for following a designated training schedule and ran intuitively throughout the summer. I was able to fall in love with the sport again and began to appreciate the grind of just day-to-day

training.

So, when I got the email about students being able to move back to campus for the fall semester I was more excited than ever. I knew things were going to be completely different and that it would be a big adjustment. However, I was able to switch my perspective and learn to be more appreciative of the little things.

So, thank you COVID for helping me find my love for running again.

Thank you COVID for forcing me to rediscover my purpose.

Thank you COVID for making me more grateful and appreciative.

Sure, this fall looks completely different; from running with masks on, to only having practice a few times a week and being forced to train with a small group.

But I am sure of a few things: I am healthy, I am able to run with my teammates, and I know running will always have my back no matter what.

So, when I do get to race again, I am going to run like it’s my last time.

Because if COVID has taught me one lesson, it’s the fact that the thing you love the most could be taken away at any moment.

September 24, 2020

Sports

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A new type of practice Masks, pods of players and frequent breaks have become the new normal for athletes as they enter their second week of organized practice.

______ By Ryan Vermette ______ rvermette@springfieldcollege.edu

As students at Springfield College wrap up their third week of school, student-athletes on campus have just undergone an experience like no other in their first week of practices.

As campus shutdown in March due to the growing threat of COVID-19, and as spring changed to summer, nobody, especially student-athletes, could have predicted what life was going to look like when, and if, campus was able to reopen in the fall. Even more so, they couldn’t have even imagined that they were not going to be able to wear “The Jersey”.

Nonetheless, student-athletes find themselves back at Springfield College with a week full of perhaps the most bizarre and difficult practices they have had in their lifetimes.

“I think our team has adapted really well to the guidelines,” said Jack Costa, a junior midfielder for the men’s soccer team at Springfield.

Some of the guidelines that have been implemented to ensure safe practices include a mask mandate (Masks are also to be worn at all times by non-student-athletes), creating groups or “pods” of 10 or less athletes to conduct practice in, sanitization of all equipment used during practice and social distancing when athletes are not in their pods.

With no competition, and the requirement of mask wearing and social distancing during practice, teams find themselves on a tough path as it is now harder than ever to create team chemistry, bond at practice with teammates and find a team identity to roll with for the season.

“It hasn’t changed practice intensity, it’s been fun, it’s been unique, but it hasn’t slowed us down at all. We’re still practicing at full potential which is nice,” said Costa.

While Costa and the rest of the soccer team seem to be adapting well

(Jack Margaros/Springfield College Athletics)

to the new normal, other teams are having a harder time adjusting.

“To say the COVID experience has been isolating would be an understatement,” says senior hurdler on the track and field team Damian Mackay-Morgan.

“I’m used to coming back to a big, happy, excited track and field team, and though the emotion is still there, it’s more difficult to get to know new teammates and become closer.”

Now, it is especially tough for team bonding and connections to be made as the numerous pods that are put in place

to distance athletes make it hard for them to get to know one another.

“The guidelines for social distancing and for COVID in general do not provide us the opportunity to gather as a whole team, or even as a whole sprint event group,” added Mackay-Morgan.

As a result, some athletes are feeling isolated and distant from their teammates, especially those participating in sports that are already individually oriented.

Most fall sports require some form of running and exertion on the lungs, making the mask

requirement on campus and during practice challenging.

“It’s not as bad as you’d think, especially once you get used to it,” said Costa.

To help keep their athletes from overheating from the masks, rest stations and water breaks have been set up throughout practices.

Sports that are completely centered around running, such as cross country and track, find themselves in a tougher position when it comes to controlling breathing with a mask on.

“Running requires us to breathe very hard and it

September 24, 2020 fogs up my glasses and I gasp for breath even when wearing a thin mask,” Mackay-Morgan explained.

Distance runners like Brenna Lachapelle, a sophomore on the women’s cross-country team, also experience the struggles of running with a mask on, but she knows that they must do whatever it takes to keep practicing. “Although the new COVID restrictions can be a pain, like running in masks for example, the whole team has kept a positive attitude” she said.

Other measures have taken place to ensure the safety of athletes and coaches during lift.

Although lift sessions look very different for teams now, athletes are still looking forward to getting work in at the weight room.

“Everyone wants to be on the racks every week,

‘

Sports

but it’s nice because you get to break up and get to see new workouts, it’s just a new way to do everything, but you’re still hitting the same muscles,” Costa said.

This pandemic is an ever changing and evolving situation and so are the guidelines and procedures that are in place for student-athletes at Springfield.

The unknown nature of the pandemic, along with the inevitable threat that a potential outbreak would force the premature end to the semester on campus, makes for an (Jack Margaros/Springfield College Athletics) uncertain future where changes to practice cross country, to soccer protocols are happening decision and ultimately and lacrosse, all seem I think we all just feel constantly.

Still, students are happy very fortunate to still be to be keeping the same able to practice with one intensity and passion for and grateful that they their sport. another,” said Lachacan still practice, even Everyone seems to still pelle. with these guidelines have bought into the Despite the mask and procedures in place. process, even in the face mandates and the social “Not being able to of adversity. Now, more distancing, practices all compete hurts, but the than ever, leadership is team knows it’s the right around campus, from needed from athletes on each team to push their teammates through these difficult times and keep the motivation high through challenging practices.

“I have not only a responsibility to myself, but to my teammates and underclassmen who look up to me to give my all and lead by example,” Mackay-Morgan said.

Athletes are still pushing for their teammates to work harder and - Brenna Lachapelle everyone is providing motivation in their own unique ways. Despite all athletes wearing masks

Not being able to compete hurts, but the team knows it’s the right decision and ultimately I think we all just feel very fortunate to still be able to practice with one another,”

PAGE 15

at all times, it’s easy to see the passion and the positivity, even with the struggles that come with the new coronavirus guidelines.

Even during a season with no outside competition, student-athletes here are still striving to be the best that they can be. Mask wearing and staying six feet apart from each other doesn’t seem to be slowing athletes at Springfield College down because although they are not physically putting on “The Jersey,” they know that they are representing it at each and every practice, which is what keeps the drive and motivation going at practices, even in the bizarre situation that all student-athletes are finding themselves in this fall.

SPORTS The Springfield Student

VOL. 135 NO. 4

‘It’s not as bad as you think’

Athletes describe what it’s like performing high intensity workouts with a mask on.

[See inside]

(Jack Margaros/Springfield College Athletics)

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020