Over the summer, Monmouth was struck with the disappointing yet expected news that all Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) sports would be shut down for the fall semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While there was some optimism about the return of fall sports at Monmouth University, the decision to scrap sports comes “with a sense of utmost caution.”
“I think the greatest challenge was the lack of information about the virus,” said Director of Athletics Marilyn McNeil. “We worked on protocols for coming back to campus and athletics but the daily changes in knowledge, testing, and transmission were tough to manage.”
As the coronavirus began to soar through the country earlier this year, there are still many unanswered questions revolving around exactly what COVID-19 is. When the coronavirus first broke out New Jersey and New York had the highest cases by state in any part of the country. Since many schools in the MAAC are from these two states, a return to sports was in question right from the get-go.
Despite the early spike of the coronavirus in New Jersey and New York, there was some hope there could be a return of sports due to the states doing their parts in flattening the curve.
“It was anticipated that sports might be the last activity to return,” said McNeil. “However, as the spring and summer progressed, we became more confident we could play sports.”
Fall sports did seem like a real possibility earlier this summer as Monmouth brought back football in late June.
“We brought football back in late June and July and had a very successful camp,” said McNeil. “It was only when the Presidents voted to suspend fall sports that we had to let the football players return home.” She then added that everyone was a bit disappointed because they were excited to start the new season.
“The student-athletes are defined by their sport and have spent years preparing for this opportunity, this was the life work of our coaches, disappointment was an understatement,” said McNeil.
Not only does this shutdown affect the athletes and coaches here at Monmouth University but it affects the school itself. The school has taken a hit financially due to the absence of sports.
“We lost our guarantee money for our football game with Rutgers and will probably lose the guaranteed money for our basketball games as well,” said McNeil, “Additionally revenue sources from ticket sales, sponsorships, and advertising are diminished.”
McNeil also mentioned that they are hopeful that their donors will continue to be generous. However, they, just like millions of Americans may also have been affected during this pandemic.
While the teams tried to stay positive about playing sports this season, they all were ultimately not surprised when the decision was made to scrap fall sports for the season.
Robert McCourt, the head coach of the Men’s Soccer team said, “Our players had an idea there was a strong possibility of a shutdown. They were disappointed but not surprised by the decision.”
McCourt also mentioned that the team has been in constant contact with each other throughout the outbreak so they all have very strong bonds. They plan on being diligent whenever a return to play protocol is in place and keep their hopes for a season in the spring.
While it is a part of the Big South rather than the MAAC, Monmouth football has been canceled this fall as well. There is certainly some disappointment, but head coach Kevin Callahan shared that the team is trying to stay positive.
“This team is extremely resilient and while they are disappointed not to be playing this fall, they know that there are better days and greater opportunities ahead of them,” said Callahan.
While teams are not playing this season, they still have the mindset. There are many things in a pandemic that cannot be controlled, but Callahan says that his team is focused on two things within their control, their attitude and effort.
“We recognize that while we cannot control the adverse circumstances to the pandemic, we can control our response to them,” said Callahan. “We have elected to focus on our growth and development so that when it comes time to play again, we will be ready.”
While fall sports are currently on the back burner the plan as of now for Monmouth University is to be able to compete in winter sports.
“The MAAC has stated that no fans will be in the stands until December 23rd, although we can play our first game on November 21st,” said McNeil. “I am hoping the MAAC will return to the discussion of having fans, as the state requirements are eased and our protocols give a sense of health and safety of our players and fans.”
Basketball is not the only sport that can begin play on November 21st, both swimming and indoor track and field are also expected to return as well.
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth Athletics
