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by JALEN BOYD sports writer With the spread of COVID-19, or Coronavirus, the Women’s Cinderella story has come to a disappointing end. No glass slipper. No Prince Charming. Their record-breaking season turned back into a pumpkin.

On Mar. 12 the NCAA, in an unprecedented move, decided to cancel all men’s and women’s national tournaments in all three divisions. The Duhawk women landed in Holland, Michigan last Thursday and after finishing practice found out the heartbreaking news.

“ W e a l l circled up, and just tried to be as positive as possible,” said sophomore Madison B r e w s t e r . “ T h o u g h this stopped our goal we still couldn’t let the news take away what we accomplished.” This year’s Duhawk women’s team was the first in school history to win a national tournament game and make the Sweet 16. With a 25-4 overall, and 13-3 ARC record, they ranked as high as number 11 in the country. The women put together a historic year and will go down as, if not the best team, at least one of the best teams in school history.

Having four players chosen as AllConference and one All-Academic player, knocking off ranked opponents left and right, this team had what it took to win it all. With great leadership from Coach Justin Heinzen and his staff, these women were able to run like a well-oiled machine – until the virus broke that machine down.

“He is our rock,” Brewster said. “Whenever times got tough we were always able to rely on coach’s calm demeanor.”

Still feeling dejected on the way back to Dubuque, family and friends greeted the team waving posters with the message, “You are OUR champions!” With tears of both joy and sadness, the team was able to enjoy this special moment with the ones they loved. Though the Coronavirus ended a special season, it will never be able to compromise the special bond this Cinderella team built together. And with high expectations for next year, the Duhawks hope history will repeat itself. Perhaps next season they will get the chance to see if the slipper will fit. ‘‘ Though this stopped our goal, we still couldn’t let the news take away what we accomplished

Madison Brewster Sophomore ,, photo by LORAS COLLEGE ATHLETICS The women’s basketball team gathers for their pre-game circle. The team had just upset the No. 4 Depauw University and earned their spot in the Sweet-Sixteen. After the decision to cancel the Championships, the team returned to a sea of signs saying “You are OUR champions!” Historic season abruptly haulted due to COVID-19 MADISON BREWSTER

by NATE KAISER sports writer Amidst the craziness the past week, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has announced the movement of Wrestle Mania 36 from the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL to the much smaller WWE Performance center in Orlando.

“In coordination with local partners and government officials, Wrestle Mania and all related events in Tampa Bay will not take place… Only essential personnel will be on the closed set at WWE’s training facility

in Orlando, Florida, to produce Wrestle Mania,” the WWE statement read.

The announcement came shortly before Monday Night Raw. The move was expected, following the development of the COVID-19 virus, more commonly referred to as the Corona Virus. It was only a matter of time until the virus spread throughout the United States.

“While we are saddened that this unforeseen situation has led us to today’s announcement, this is the right call for the safety and security of everyone involved,” said the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee.

President Trump’s limitation of 10 people or less forced the implementation of only essential personnel on staff the day of the show. Still, the question remains of how the production and the feeling of Wrestle Mania will be received with no fans present.

Wrestle Mania has been the greatest spectacle in sports-entertainment history for the past 35 years. Every year the WWE takes over a new city, bringing a week full of events along with it. Along with it, the Hall of Fame, NXT Take Over, and the fan experience draws upwards of 80,000 people to cities.

The cancellation will also bring an impact to the “Independent” professional wrestling world. Wrestle Mania weekend brings a wave of various independent promotions f lo cking to the city to capitalize on the surplus of fans. P rom o t i on s s u c h a s Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), Full Throttle Pro Wrestling, and Progress Wrestling will have to either relocate or cancel the weekend’s events.

The cancellation is an entire blow not just to the wrestling world but for the whole of the city of Tampa. Mania brings a boost for the local economy as well with fans flying in from all over the world to see the action. The loss of revenue will hit the city hard.

Updates will become available as information is given approaching the date of the show.

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