..."We're Out to Beat the Foe..." An Update From AD Joel Nielsen
4/14/2020 4:34:00 PM | General
Dear Golden Flashes-
"…We're out to beat the foe!" Our fight song continues to deliver during these times! This "foe" (COVID-19) has been identified and based on the latest statistics from national experts, our nation is now on the road to beating this foe. While it's way too early to claim victory, I'm confident we're on our way to "ringing the bell" and getting the nation and our economy back on track. During these times, let's remember those who have lost loved ones, and those affected by this virus. Let's stay vigilant in our actions, social distancing is working. Â
I'd like to start out by thanking those individuals who are attending to and treating patients in our hospitals, clinics and medical offices…risking their safety for others. Also, to everyone that's keeping our 'new normal' safe and healthy for the majority of Americans, including the employees in our public services, keeping our electricity, heat and cable/wifi systems operational. To the farmers and ranchers who keep our food supply plentiful, and the processors, truck drivers, and grocery store employees that deliver it to our homes. We truly are thankful!
As athletic departments plan and prepare for the road ahead, many in our industry have said, "college sports as we know it will never be the same". While I tend to agree, it doesn't mean that college sports won't still be able to provide the opportunities and entertainment it's been providing for over a century. We'll still have stadiums, fields, courses, and arenas. We'll still have coaches, trainers, cheerleaders, bands and mascots. We'll still compete, throw and hit balls, make shots, score goals, make putts and run races. We'll still be providing scholarships for many first generation college students. We'll still provide an exciting atmosphere for our alumni, fans and community, bringing people together to support a common cause.Â
Keeping that in mind, athletic departments will face difficult decisions in figuring out how to operate with less money. Staff sizing, travel restrictions, schedule modifications, and other budget reductions are logical options. Those decisions even become more difficult if the pandemic affects our Fall sports. There is also uncertainty as to when the economy will be 'reopened' and how quickly it will rebound. That will affect fundraising, corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise sales, etc.Â
At the direction of the MAC President's Council, and under the leadership of Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher, the conference has been working on modifications to schedules, championships and other items. The recommendations will be reviewed and discussed over the next couple of weeks, and then shared with our students, staff and supporters.Â
On campus we'll be faced with many decisions moving forward. Please know that supporting our student-athletes will be our priority in every decision we make. Certainly we have challenges ahead, but for those in athletics facing challenges has always been part of our DNA.Â
Thanks for everything you continue to do.Â
Go Flashes!
Joel.
