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On the Road Again
Strengthening connections between teammates through travel
For two years, sports at CLC and across the country have endured pandemic-related restrictions and mandates. Travel has been challenging for CLC’s athletic teams, but now teams can resume competing more frequently out-of-state, giving student-athletes the chance to grow as players, teammates and community members.
“Travel is one of those tools we use to benefit our students. Team trips and competitions give them an opportunity to showcase their skills against excellent opponents on the national stage while representing our institution. Traveling together also promotes team building, comradery, discipline and time management. Plus, student-athletes make memories that will last them a lifetime,” said Athletic Director Brad Unger.
Athletes who played on teams last year see a big difference in how much more connected they are to teammates now.
“Last year we would get food as a team after games, but we couldn’t eat inside the restaurants,” said sophomore softball player Julianna Villalobos. “We had to order ahead and then eat on the bus. This year we can go in and enjoy our meal as a team.”
This year, CLC’s softball team took a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Villalobos noticed being able to travel together brought the team closer together, especially since many of her teammates are first-year students. “Since we were on this trip together, we were around each other more,” Villalobos said. “We had the chance to goof around and get to know each other.”
Sophomore tennis player Haley Quick is enjoying the chance to travel after limited opportunities a year ago.
“Last year we traveled on a school bus with masks on, the windows down and sitting distanced,” she said. This year, the team had fewer restrictions and more time spent traveling to competitions. “As a team, we’ve bonded more this year. It’s harder to talk when you’re distanced.”
The players aren’t the only ones who appreciate the bonding. Head coaches can tell what kind of connection their teams have. Like the softball team, CLC’s baseball team took a spring trip. It played at the Jackie Robinson Sports Complex in Vero Beach, Florida.
“Team culture is everything,” said head baseball coach Heath Cummings. “You either have it or you don’t. The team bonding and memories these young players gain from the trip are priceless. They will keep them for the rest of their lives.”
WINNING RECORD
CLC’s athletic teams had numerous accomplishments to celebrate this spring. Both men’s and women’s tennis were NJCAA Region IV and Illinois Skyway Collegiate Champions. Head coach for both teams, Jim Love, was named both Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year.
Men’s golf won its 5th consecutive Illinois Skyway Collegiate Championship. Freshman Eddie Winkelmann qualified for the National Tournament and Coach Chris Wyniawskyj was named the ISCC Conference Coach of the Year.
In women’s cross country, sophomore Carly Leonard was the Illinois Skyway Conference and Region IV Champion. Leonard and sophomore Izamar Rodriguez both qualified for NJCAA Nationals. Men’s cross country finished 3rd in the NJCAA Region IV, and first-year student Cody Arenas qualified for NJCAA Nationals.
Men’s baseball finished the season 32-18 and had seven players named to the Illinois Skyway All-Conference team. It earned the number six seed in the NJCAA Region IV Tournament.
