Athletics and the Pandemic
BY MORGAN HALE ’21
1 MIN. READ
College sports have seen a different light this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With COVID-19 cases high in fall 2020, all 20 Anderson University athletic teams were shifted to compete during the spring 2021 semester. This has been difficult for AU’s coaches, student-athletes, and sports medicine staff; yet, they are taking it in stride. Director of Athletics Marcie Taylor and the Department of Athletics have been diligently working to follow NCAA requirements and CDC guidelines.
“The student-athletes and coaches want to compete, so they’ve been willing to do whatever has been necessary to do what they love: practice and compete,” said Taylor.
One of the biggest struggles in this season has been the lack of indoor and outdoor space for students. While advocating for their program, Taylor notes the head coaches have been great at showing a genuine concern for sharing limited space in a manner that makes sure everyone is prepared to compete. Enforcing equal opportunity for all athletic teams has been a considerable team effort, especially during colder months.
AU is excited to finally announce that fans will be allowed back into the stands with the weather warming up. Those in attendance include faculty, staff, current students, and primary family members. “The college years go by quickly and for families to not have the opportunity to watch their student-athletes compete — that’s been really hard on everyone,” said Taylor. Spectators who choose to attend sporting events this season must wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.
Written by Morgan Hale ’21, excerpted from a spring semester class project for the public relations course, Public Relations Writing.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.