Laker student-athletes determined to keep competing By Craig Butler
Being a student-athlete is always a balancing act. Never has that been clearer than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mercyhurst student-athletes have dealt with unprecedented changes to seasons and routines but, thanks to their sacrifce and hard work, the winter athletic programs had participated in more than 50 contests in the 2020-21 season as of mid- February. After the fall season was canceled, the Mercyhurst Athletic Department developed a plan to move forward with winter and spring sports. Thanks to the support of the university, which remains committed to the student-athlete experience, the Lakers ofcially returned to practice in early November and put together schedules with other institutions that committed to strictly following NCAA testing guidelines. Since competition resumed in late November, Mercyhurst has conducted more than 2,300 PCR tests across its seven winter programs. “There is always uncertainty in college athletics and college hockey,” said sophomore men’s hockey defenseman Joseph Maziarz. “At Mercyhurst we have done a good job of making the protocols part of our normal. It’s another part of our day-to-day like classes or practice.” “I am unbelievably proud of our student-athletes, coaches, and staf for their dedication and perseverance,” said Director of Athletics Brad Davis. “The testing protocols have become part of the routine for our student-athletes and coaches, just like classes or practice. Our student-athletes have sacrifced everything in order to compete. They know they are only as good as their next test.”
Men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s hockey, wrestling, men’s water polo, and women’s bowling all competed during the winter season. Although the PSAC canceled its winter schedule and championships, Mercyhurst proceeded with men’s and women’s basketball and wrestling, forging an independent schedule that included multiple contests against Division I opponents. “The players have really led the way with sacrifcing to have a season. We are almost following their lead,” said women’s basketball head coach Brooklyn Kohlheim. “In our summer Zoom calls, they controlled all the dialogue from the start with the standards and expectations that are needed in order to stay safe and competing. It has made my job a lot easier because it is less policing. “Although we know there are risks everywhere, our program and department are just trying to do our best to minimize those risks. Coming from a group of people that are at a point in their lives where social interactions are super important, it is amazing to watch them come together and bubble on their own, just to play. We are fortunate enough to have an administration that supports us playing, so we are just trying to do our part.” Spring sports, after losing their 2020 season, are on track to compete in 2021. They won’t be the only teams competing this spring, as the fall sports are also planning for competitive opportunities. “The landscape is changing every day but, given the success we have had getting our winter teams into competition, we are hopeful for the spring season,” Davis said. “Our student-athletes have bought in and have been fexible and committed to get back to competition and we expect that to continue into the spring.”
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