Melissa Brown
Sports Writer
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The Big South Conference announced the remainder of spring sports would be canceled on Mar. 18.
“At first I felt conflicted. I did not know how to feel because I am very religious and believe everything happens for a reason. I was a little sad because in my last open race ever I ended up tripping and had to walk through the finish line. I wanted one more chance to run and finish a race the right way, on my own two feet from start to finish,” said UNCA track athlete Tyree McFalling.
While most students were on spring break, the women’s basketball team competed in the Big South Conference Championships. On Mar. 12 the Big South Conference announced the remainder of the tournament was canceled.
“Given concerns related to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the rapidly escalating developments nationally, the Big South Conference Executive Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining rounds of the Hercules Tires Big South Conference Women’s Basketball Championship. While we were hoping to protect these important opportunities for our women’s basketball student-athletes, we feel this is the prudent course at this time. Conference leadership is currently discussing the status of spring sports seasons, and will provide updates as they become available,” Big South Conference Commissioner Kyle Kallander said via press release.
The Bulldogs advanced to the quarterfinals with a 36 point win over Charleston Southern in the first round. The next game was set to take place on Mar. 12 but was canceled.
“It’s disappointing because we worked our whole season to get to that point. It’s also sad for seniors because they didn’t know that was going to be their last game,” junior guard Amaryah Coorperning said.
Not only did the girls have to leave without a championship, but once they returned to campus they had to pack their belongings and depart in response to Chancellor Nancy J. Cable’s announcement that the school would be transitioning to remote learning.
The Big South’s decision to cancel the remainder of spring sports impacted many other athletes and left seniors who participate in baseball, soccer, tennis, track and field with no season. Friday, Mar. 13 the NCAA committee decided to grant many students participating in spring sports another year of eligibility.
“It sucks the season ended the way it did but I do think everyone’s health must come first. So, although I wish Coronavirus wasn’t a thing, I don’t have regrets and am not mad at how the season ended because, at the end of the day, everyone’s health and lives are way more important than me having a senior season,” McFalling said.
Athletes around the world questioned how they would continue to train, especially with the 2020 Olympic Games four months away. On Mar.24, the International Olympic Committee agreed to postpone the Olympics for a year.
While people are quarantined and practicing social distancing, below are some at-home bodyweight exercises everyone can try regardless if they are an athlete or not.