Message to student-athletes about COVID-19 precautions
Student-Athletes,
Let me start by saying I have tremendous empathy for all of you given the challenging week and the impact of COVID-19 on campus and in collegiate athletics. I recognize that there are many emotions from frustration to fear that you and your peers are feeling during these uncertain times. I wish I could say that I can speak from experience of going through a similar event when I was in college or even in my lifetime, but honestly, the events which have evolved over this last week are unchartered territories for me and most likely your family, friends, and mentors.
I am reaching out in hopes of offering a supportive message from UW-Platteville Athletics and to let you know that we will get through this uncertain time and we will be stronger people because of it. My primary concern is the health and safety of you, our coaching staff, administration, and the entire UW-Platteville family. Athletics gives each and every one of you so many skills to use throughout your life such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving, overcoming a loss, etc. I encourage you to be supportive and helpful to your teammates and your family during these challenging times and I hope you demonstrate a personal responsibility in regards to the health, safety, and well-being of you and the community.
We recognize there are many questions about the impact of the decisions that have been made and please know those answers will come with time. Discussions are happening and direction from the United States government, the State of Wisconsin, the University, CDC guidelines, UW System Emergency Operation Center directives, the NCAA, and the WIAC is being provided to assess the coronavirus situation and its effect on athletics. This is an extremely fluid situation which seems to change almost by the hour. We will continue to communicate these updates, but know decisions may not come as quickly as we would like them.
Below are some websites that can hopefully help answer some questions or provide information on why some of the decisions were made this week.
Because we are all being asked to practice social distancing and think of the greater community and not just ourselves, I challenge each and every one of you to take these next weeks to do things we sometimes don't have the opportunity to do because of our hectic schedules.
- Study up - Prepare for alternative-learning after Spring Break to continue your pursuit of a college education. Studies come first.
- Rest – Many of you have been going 150 mph since August. Take this time to rest and take care of yourself.
- Call Grandma/Call your friend that you haven't talked to since summer. – I know we all have some family member or friend that would love to hear from us, so give them a call. Use your phone or Facetime to connect with someone and make their day.
- Train virtually – Get creative and use tools such as YouTube and video streaming platforms to find a home workout.
- Improve your state of mind – Yoga and meditation are great ways to reduce stress and anxiety and can be done practically anywhere.
- Read - Find a good read or motivational book on Amazon.
If you have questions or if you are struggling with decisions that have been made, I encourage you to talk to your coaches.
On behalf of the Pioneer Athletics Staff, best wishes for good health to all of you and your loved ones.
Mike Emendorfer
Interim Athletic Director
Helpful links
Most up-to-date UW-Platteville updates: https://www.uwplatt.edu/news/update-coronavirus
Most up-to-date Pioneer Athletics updates: https://letsgopioneers.com/general/2019-20/releases/20200312thi36v
NCAA Release on cancelling Winter and Spring Championships: https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ncaa-cancels-remaining-winter-and-spring-championships
NCAA response about how eligibility is impacted for Spring Sports: https://letsgopioneers.com/general/2019-20/releases/20200312thi36v