November 10, 2020
SPORTS
E2
Sleva copes with suspension of regular season Christian Eby
Asst. Sports Editor
Former Shippensburg University forward Dustin Sleva recently embarked on his third season with Paris Basketball, but after one regular season contest, his season has already been brought to a screeching halt. Paris, which is part of France’s second division, Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B, announced the abrupt suspension to the season on Nov. 3 in a press release on the league’s website. However, with Pro B regular season games on hold, teams can still take part in Leaders Cup games, which is a separate group of matchups prior to the normal season. Regular season games are set to resume sometime in December. According to the press release, the decision to postpone the championship season stems from the economic needs of each team. With limited capacity at home events and franchises having television deals, some teams have struggled financially and were forced to take out loans to ensure staff and players would be paid. The transition to Leaders Cup games are meant to allow teams to continue to play, and at the same time, not place a significant financial burden on each squad. In addition to Leaders Cup, teams are still permitted to practice on a normal schedule. But without the regular season, Sleva’s days have vastly changed.
Photo courtesy of Bill Smith/ SU Sports Info.
Sleva is in the midst of his third season with Paris Basketball. Sleva’s regular season is currently on hold but teams are still permitted to take part in Leaders Cup games and host a normal practice schedule. Sleva said his basketball routine has been going to practice, coming home and then going back to practice. With this schedule, Sleva said he still had six hours of the day in which he needed to find something to do. Sleva graduated from SU with a marketing degree. With the extra time on his hands, Sleva began working with a marketing group
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Additionally, he continues to work on his French by taking lessons throughout the week. “I wanted to make sure I was keeping myself busy,” Sleva said. “I consider COVID as an opportunity to do something else and gain some experience in the field. I’ve figured out a good routine and I’m just sticking with it.”
Despite the new opportunities to grow outside the game of basketball, the sudden halt of the championship season did come as a bit of a surprise and disappointment. Paris had growing momentum. In their first matchup, Paris stomped their opponent, Lille, by a score of 80-57. Sleva totaled 12 points, shot 4-10 from the field and hauled in five rebounds. But with Leaders Cup now at the forefront of the pandemic-ridden season, Sleva said he is soaking in every practice and “cup” game. And last season, Sleva was coming-off a brutal ankle injury, so he knows the importance of each and every opportunity to step on the court. “At this point, I can only control the controllable,” Sleva said. “I take each practice as a game and I just love playing basketball. So, when we compete in practice, I see that as my game for the week.” He continued, “It’s hard to judge how long you think COVID is going to last. You’re going to hurt yourself just thinking like that. It’s easier to take it day-by-day and make it as fun and enjoyable as possible for yourself and your teammates. That’s what it’s all about.” As of now, Paris does not have any scheduled Leaders Cup games for the remainder of November, according to the team’s website. Their next scheduled regular season game is marked for Dec. 12.
Dustin Sleva Career Stats
* Sleva started all but one game in his four-year SU career totaling over 2,000 points and over 1,000 rebounds. He is one of just three SU players to do so. * Sleva was a two-time All-PSAC Eastern Division member and was named the 20162017 PSAC Eastern Division Player of the Year. * Sleva was named to the 2016-2017 NABC All-America First Team and was a two-time NABC All-District Team member.
Student athletes participate in NCAA Inclusion Campaign
Photos courtesy of Bill Smith/SU Sports Info.
SU student-athetes hold up signs describing either themselves or the Shippensburg community. Each sign in the photo is different from every other. Isaiah Snead
Asst. Sports Editor
Shippensburg University participated in the 2020 NCAA Diversity and Inclusion social media campaign two weeks ago. Each year the campaign spans three days with each day taking after a different theme. The three themes this year were: “My Story Matters,” “I’ve Got your Back,” and “Together We Rise.” During the campaign student-athletes take a picture with a sign portraying a different theme of the week. COVID-19 coronavirus protocols were applied during the campaign as students wore a mask and were socially distanced. Day 1, “My Story Matters,” focused on student-athletes’ stories and experiences that represent them as an individual. This allows students to show that they are more than just an athlete and that their stories can make a difference. Day 2 of the campaign was labeled “I’ve Got Your Back” and the focus was placed on the power of teamwork in inclusive environ-
ments. Students are allowed to prove that they can use teamwork off the field or court as well. “Together We Rise” was the final day of the campaign and it was used to highlight the importance of togetherness and action in the community when faced with adversity. SU gathered student-athletes from all different backgrounds to participate in the social media campaign for the first two days. On the third day of the campaign, SU uploaded a video with members of the Shippensburg University Student Athlete Advisory Committe (SAAC) coming together to show its support for diversity and inclusion. The video was posted to the SU Athletics FaceBook and Twitter page along with the SU Athletics website. After the campaign ended student-athletes were encouraged to take these themes and implement them in their everyday lives. The themes will hold until next year when the campaign will roll out three new themes and attempt to challenge even more student-athletes.