Daily Forty-Niner, April 27, 2020 by Beach Media

weekly print edition

DAILY FORTY-NINER EST p 1949

Vol. LXXI, Issue 30

www.daily49er.com

Monday, April 27, 2020

STUDENTS THE LAST

ON CAMPUS

Inside the

Niner

PAGE 3

NEWS

Beach Pantry continues to help

Being on the ‘virus clock’

pg 3

pg 4

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM

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News Editor Madalyn Amato news@daily49er.com Arts & Life Editor Paula Kiley arts@daily49er.com Opinions Editor Perry Continente opinions@daily49er.com RYAN GUITARE | Daily Forty-Niner

Third-year journalism major Madalyn Amato has been selected as the editor in chief of the Daily Forty-Niner for fall 2020.

Daily Forty-Niner selects next editor in chief By Austin Brumblay Editor in chief

t was clear early last fall that the Daily Forty-Niner had a bright future when Madalyn Amato jumped out of her chair to go report a breaking story before anyone else. The then-newly transferred student from Fullerton College was an instant stand-out reporter and a go-to among the editorial staff. Along with her outstanding reporting, Amato brought her experience from Fullerton College’s student newspaper, The Hornet, where she worked as news editor, director of multimedia and editor in chief. “From the first day she set foot in our newsroom, you knew she was going to be a great journalist,” said Jay Seidel, adviser of The Hornet. “There’s something about her. I’ve always been impressed by her enthusiasm and energy. She has such a passion for journalism whether it’s written or photographic.” When Amato, a third-year journalism major, showed interest last winter in being news editor at the ‘Niner, she was a shoo-in. Her work on the award-winning “behind the scenes” series, her around-the-clock coverage of COVID-19 and her hundreds of bylines are a testament to that. “Maddy is a great writer and editor,” said Julia Terbeche, podcast editor at the Forty-Niner. “She knows how to say what she wants.

I trust her judgment, and we work well together.” It’s a tradition for staffers to decorate their desks when they “move-in.” Some editors choose to cover their desks with “Star Wars” memorabilia or Nicki Minaj perfumes. Amato’s approach was different. She simply added a stack of reporter’s notebooks and a pile of pens, and hung the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics above her computer. She meant business. And she continues to mean business as she flourishes as a journalist and leader. Which is why the Daily Forty-Niner is proud to announce that Amato will be the editor in chief for fall 2020. Amato said she plans to continue to move the publication “digital-first” with new social media strategies and more visual components on the website. “I’m proud to be a member of the Forty-Niner,” she said. “Over the past two semesters, I’ve gained a lot of pride. I’m excited to lead the team and move the publication forward.” Amato will build on the 70 years of the publication in a time when journalism faces uncertainty. But despite the setbacks of the coronavirus pandemic and a shaky economy, she and her team will still be the go-to campus news source. “She’s not afraid to be firm and honest,” Terbeche said. “Both as a journalist and as a person. She knows how to get shit done.”

Sports Editor Mark Lindahl sports@daily49er.com Design Editor Alejandro Vazquez design@daily49er.com Advertising Manager Steven Zuniga advertising@daily49er.com Business Manager Hannah Getahun business@daily49er.com Special Projects Editor Hannah Getahun Photo Editor Ryan Guitare Social Media Editor Brenna Enos Podcast Editor Manuel Valladares Podcast Editor Julia Terbeche Webmaster Samantha Hangsan Arts and Life Assistant Paris Barraza Assistant Sports Editor Assistant Social Media Editor

Ralston Dacanay Cristal Gomez

Distribution Manager Rachel Barnes Distribution Assistant Alejandro Vazquez Design Adviser Gary Metzker Content Adviser Barbara Kinglsey-Wilson Advertising and Business Jennifer Newton Adviser Letters to Editor editor@daily49er.com Corrections correction@daily49er.com Story Ideas tips@daily49er.com Job Inquiries jobs@daily49er.com

Letters Policy: All letters and emails must bear the phone number of the writer and must be no more than 300 words. The Daily Forty-Niner reserves the right to edit letters for publication in regard to space. Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and cartoons in the issue are those of the writers or artists. The opinons of the Daily FortyNiner are expressed only in unsigned editorials and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism department or the views of all staff members. All such editorials are written by the editorial board of the Daily Forty-Niner.

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | NEWS@DAILY49ER.COM

NEWS 3

RYAN GUITARE | Daily Forty-Niner

Since students were encouraged to vacate the premises, strict social distancing practices have been out into place for the 119 remaining students living at the Hillside College dormitory.

‘It feels apocalyptic’ Students still at the dorms speak about living on an emptier campus. By Ashley Ramos Staff Writer

lthough most on-campus residents left student housing after Long Beach State encouraged students to move out, 119 students remain consolidated into four buildings at the Hillside College Dormitory. “It’s been weird because it feels... apocalyptic with so many people now gone; usually the residence halls are so busy,” said a third-year Residential Assistant who asked to remain anonymous. “But it’s been fine, the food got a lot better because the dining hall [is] putting in effort.” According to the RA, the Hillside Dining Hall remains open during the week for lunch and dinner but has fixed hours. The students are not allowed to dine-in; they can either take their food back to their dorms or eat outside. Inside the dining hall there is a limited number of people allowed in at a time. Everyone must wear masks, and there are signs on the floor enforcing students to stay six feet apart. All students live in their own rooms now.

The common rooms are still open but large gatherings are discouraged. Many students stay in their own rooms and practice social distancing. “You’re not as distracted anymore because you’re not pressured to hang out with all these people,” said Rudy Garcia, a thirdyear international studies major. As for the RAs, they are still working and have the same amount of duties. They still check on residents, are on call over the weekends and work in the service center. RA Olivia Wildman said that at the moment, their biggest challenge is forwarding all the students’ mail. “The transition was definitely a little hectic with everyone moving out and then we consolidated everyone from Beachside and Parkside into Hillside just so we can maintain a singular dining hall and then sort of keep everyone centralized,” said Wildman, a fourth-year majoring in BFA animation. “But we are still spread out.” Garcia and Enrico Babetto, a finance major and international student from Italy, said there’s not much students can do so many remain in their rooms. “During the day I almost always study,” Babetto said.“I don’t usually go outside because there’s no one here but I try to be as positive as I can, and I just bought a ukulele.”

4 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | NEWS@DAILY49ER.COM

From trunk to table Beach Pantry drive-thru pop-up provides aid for students amidst COVID-19 crisis.

By Christy Hung Staff Writer

Strict social distancing practices were mandated at the pop-up Beach Pantry event to maintain health and safety standards implemented by the university. KEVIN CHITTUM | Daily Forty-Niner

ne by one, students pulled up in their cars, parked and waited on masked-volunteers to pack their trunks with bagged groceries Friday in the parking lot in front of Brotman Hall. Even the once active Beach Pantry has had to change its everyday operations due to the coronavirus pandemic, changes senior communications manager for Associated Students Inc. James Ahumada said it had to be done. “We recognize that the students have needs that they’re still going to have, if not even more,” Ahumada said. To accommodate social distancing practices and adhere to Long Beach’s current health order, volunteers have been forced to get creative in their ways to assist the Beach community. Normally located in the University Student Union, the Beach Pantry has been shifted to a pop-up drive-thru service where currently enrolled students at Long Beach State can drive up and receive the same goods and groceries they were once able to pick up themselves. “I can say that our community is coming out strong for students at Long Beach State,” Ahumada said. “I think we’re getting a lot of donations and it only continues.” Ahumada said that ASI decided to host the pop-ups to continue to provide support to students in need, especially during this time of crisis. “We do know it’s in high demand,” Ahumada said. “So we’re trying to do it as frequently as possible like once a week.” Currently, students can only receive food at the pop-up if they have previously registered. Each session can serve up to 200 students at a time. Students have been showing their appreciation to the Beach Pantry volunteers for their help and hard work via email or through social media. “But we don’t do it for that,” Ahumada said. “We just do it to continue to serve our student population.”

NEWS 5

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | NEWS@DAILY49ER.COM

ALEJANDRO VAZQUEZ | Daily Forty-Niner

President Jane Close Conoley maintained that she is hopeful Long Beach State will return to face-to-face instruction come fall, but admitted she’s taking the decision making slow.

Conoley cautious about return As spring semester comes to close, university officials are forced to start making plans for the fall.

By Madalyn Amato News Editor

resident Jane Close Conoley said she’s hopeful Long Beach State will return to face-toface instruction in the fall, but is being cautious in confirming any plans. “Our decisions about the fall are on the virus clock as interpreted to us by our medical experts,” Conoley said. “I’m putting off a final decision so that we’ll have the best health guidance closest to our opening,” she added. “Obviously, putting off the decision is problematic, but deciding too soon is also problematic.” Jeff Cook, chief communications officer, had said via Twitter on Tuesday that the university was planning on returning to traditional instruction methods, but maintained that they would operate under official’s guidance. “While COVID-19 is still a reality, I think we all anticipate new safety protocols to be in place on campus for the foreseeable future,” Cook said. Conoley said in a campus-wide email Friday that she and the rest of the administration are working on plans for returning to campus safely.

“We must create ways to do our work in smaller gatherings, limit social activities and continue to offer remote learning models where these guidelines cannot be met. Such efforts may be necessary throughout the fall semester and beyond,” she said. As Conoley had mentioned in her live stream interview with the Daily Forty-Niner, coronavirus will leave a lasting impression on the campus’ identity. “We will certainly be teaching our students, but I don’t think we’ll have a ‘one size fits all,’” Conoley said. “It will be up to public health to tell us what’s safe.” Los Angeles County health officials said groups no larger than 30 would be acceptable in a school setting, but cautioned the guidelines could change before the semester begins. “Our north star in this matter has been and will continue to be campus health and safety,” Conoley said. Hybridization of the campus, smaller class sizes and continuing with remote delivery are all options Conoley said the university is considering moving forward. “While I very much understand everyone wants a definitive answer, it would be irresponsible to commit to a path that would have to be changed based on medical advice,” Conoley said.

6 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | NEWS@DAILY49ER.COM

‘I have to stay up from 2:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.’ How international CSULB students are coping with online classes.

By Giorgia Rifaldi Contributor Writer

lthough the move from in-person to online learning was a stark transition for some, for some international students who must attend class in various time zones, it has been a world of difference. Because virtual Zoom classes are required to be held at the same time they would normally be held at Long Beach State, international students have to attend classes at inconvenient hours. “I feel like the whole community is doing

their best in order to help students finish this unprecedented semester as smoothly as possible,” said Chiara Grandin, an English literature major from Venice, Italy. “The real problem international students are facing revolves around time zones and the fact that we are forced to stay up all night in order to follow Zoom meetings.” Following the spread of COVID-19, many international students have decided to return to their home countries. Students mostly take classes during the day, but with a nine-hour time difference, like the one between California and Italy, that changes completely. “Even though most of my teachers were very flexible in terms of deadlines, the American university system expects students to participate during class discus-

sions,” Grandin said. “Personally, all my CSULB classes were in the afternoon and, as a consequence, every Tuesday I have to stay up from 2:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. in order not to miss class discussions and therefore jeopardize my final grades and exams.” In many classes, grades can be defined by in-class discussion and participation. This means that one of the main problems that some international students are dealing with is that they must attend their classes at the scheduled time rather than follow along with a recorded lecture in order to maintain their grade. As a result, some students say attending classes at unusual hours results in a significantly inadequate sleeping schedule. Some professors have found solutions in recording their meetings so that their

international students can follow them if they do not manage to go to class. Others are lenient when it comes to deadlines, and some make Zoom meetings not mandatory. Jade Murphy, a fashion design major from Scotland, goes to class with a time difference of eight hours. She said that while studying at CSULB all of her classes were in the morning, but scheduled Zoom meetings are considered to be in conflict with her current schedule. Murphy said she feels that she does not have as much time to get assignments done because of how late her classes are. “Because of the time zones, in Scotland, it is normally around dinner time when my classes are,” Murphy said. “So if we have to do anything I feel like I don’t have as much time.”

OPINIONS 7

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | OPINION@DAILY49ER.COM

Pay it forward with tuition Spring tuition pays for more than just our education, and that money is still working for us.

By Eric Watson-Bailey Staff Writer

here is an old Greek proverb that says “a society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in.” It’s extremely hard to rationalize anything that’s happened this semester in the wake of coronavirus, with Long Beach State having to completely overhaul how it delivers its learning and in a ridiculously short amount of time. As a graduating senior, I’m glad that my tuition is being utilized in a way that allows me to keep my educational plan on time and on track. Although many students feel that their tuition and fees should be returned given the current circumstances, the fact is our semester hasn’t been canceled. It was heavily modified in a way that many feel was a huge inconvenience, but our fees and tuition are still being utilized in a way that directly benefits us and future students. The conversion to distanced education has not been easy for anyone involved, but it’s been particularly hard on students. “While the global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature of the way in which classes are offered, students who successfully complete these classes will achieve important learning outcomes,” said Jeff Cook,

strategic communications associate vice president in an article by Paris Barraza. “Staff, too, have been focused on delivering our many student services even in this unprecedented remote environment.” Though Cook’s words allude to a more positive outlook on the situation, some students don’t seem to share his optimism. “We should have part of our tuition reimbursed because most of the fees are for services that we get when we are on campus,” said Saravady Me, a fourth-year English education major. “Now it’s limited due to online learning.” Some students would even argue for reimbursement due to what they feel is a dip in quality. “Teaching quality seems to have gone down,” said Robert Conley, a third-year history major. “So if we’re getting a worse quality education, why is it not being reimbursed?” Current students have every right to feel that way. This isn’t anything that any student; or instructor could’ve anticipated. I try to look at things from a far more altruistic perspective. Our current state of learning may not be what the brochure offered us in our orientation, but the tuition funds are working to provide current students the best education possible given the fact we’re in an unprecedented global pandemic. I don’t like sitting in Zoom conferences anymore than the next student does, and it’s easy for people to feel like their expensive tuition is being used to pay for something that could

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be done for free over YouTube. However, the means in which we are getting our education has been modified, not suspended or canceled. Learning conditions may not be what we’d like, but this is uncharted water for everyone involved. We also have to remember that when schools like UCLA decided to shift to an online format, we here at the Beach demanded the same. There are many people who are wrapping up their academic careers this semester, and it may not have ended the way anyone could have planned. I didn’t envision my last year here to end this way. But as the Greek proverb suggests, there’s a ton of work that needs to be done in order for the returning and incoming fall 2020 students to get the sense of normalcy that we knew but was abruptly taken from us. I remember my experience visiting the campus for the first time during my SOAR orientation and how beautiful I thought the campus was. It takes a lot of people working very hard to maintain the campus. For incoming freshmen and transfer students, I want them to have the same experience on their first day that I did. If my tuition goes towards paving the way for future students at The Beach even in this time of social distancing and online instruction, so be it. As news breaks that face-to-face classes will resume in the fall, there’s all the more reason that the tuition we paid continue to fund the efforts that will get the Beach back on track.

8 OPINIONS

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | OPINION@DAILY49ER.COM

‘Just say no’ to drinking bleach Suggesting injections of cleaning agents as a possible cure for COVID-19 is one of the most dangerous things President Trump has done in office. By Perry Continente Opinions Editor

he biggest obstacle to ending this pandemic is misinformation. It can be well-intentioned or politically motivated, but without a clear and scientifically backed plan, this disease will continue to propagate and more people will die. When someone does something stupid like burn down a 5G tower, or even protest the lockdown, they are endangering themselves, their families and their communities. So I was dumbfounded when the President of the United States got on stage and mentioned using “an injection” of household cleaners as a possible cure for the virus. It is comical that a company feels the need to get out in front of a possible PR disaster because the president mentioned

their product as a possible cure for a pandemic. Trump has since said that he was being sarcastic, which he clearly wasn’t, but even giving him the benefit of the doubt, a press conference about a deadly disease might not be the best place to be making jokes about injecting yourself with bleach. The very fact that I, or anyone else, had to write out the previous paragraph stuns me. It was such a bone-headed move, that was broadcast to so many people, that Lysol had to publicly state that ingestion or injection of their products is a bad idea. Trump should have an easy job. Use his platform to boost the signal of epidemiologists. To use his position and power to communicate accurate information to the American people. He has done completely the opposite, peddling conspiracy theories and stoking the fires of movements to end the quarantine. Trump has a contentious relationship with many of the experts he should be cooperating with.

People are afraid. And rightfully so. And when people are cooped up in one place with nothing to occupy themselves with other than that fear, people do stupid things. Telling these fearful people that household cleaners and detergents can kill the virus in a minute flat, and that we should look into using them internally is beyond irresponsible. There are going to be people who are desperate enough to try it. This terrible advice is especially terrible considering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report April 20 that warned of accidental bleach poisonings of people who were a little too zealous in their cleaning. If people are already poisoning themselves with bleach, the last thing we need is the president suggesting they inject it. Trump has expressed that he wants Americans to get back to work and the period of self-isolation to end prematurely all the while saying that he was ahead of the curve when it came to his response to the virus.

The fact that the United States now is number one in reported deaths from the virus says differently. Media outlets friendly to Trump like Fox News have downplayed or contradicted the warnings of people like National Institute of Allergy and Infectious disease Director Anthony Fauci. These outlets have reported that the virus is far less deadly than reported and that economic concerns outweigh the possible deaths. This is a historic crisis. And the way through with the fewest casualties is to listen to medical professionals. At this point, I’d recommend not even tuning into Trump’s press conferences on the virus. All you will get are lies, self-aggrandizement and some truly terrible advice. Instead follow agencies that aren’t led by psychopaths like the CDC and the World Health Organization for practical, applicable advice that doesn’t include mainlining cleaning products.

SPORTS 9

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | SPORTS@DAILY49ER.COM

ATHLETICS

Freshman libero Mason Briggs was named Co-Freshman of the Year alongside CSUN’s freshman outside hitter Kyle Hobus for the 2020 season.

BRIGGS IN THE BIG LEAGUES Big West Co-Freshman of the year Mason Briggs attributes his success this season to an all around team-effort built upon trust and work ethic. By Jordan Newby Staff Writer

“M

ason Briggs! Big West Co-Freshman of the Year!” The morning of April 21, Long Beach State freshman libero Mason Briggs awoke to his brother Trevor, a former Beach men’s volleyball player himself, filling the house with jubilation. Scrolling through his Twitter feed, Trevor came upon the announcement, his younger brother had just been named AVCA Big West Co-Freshman of the Year, given an All-Big West Honorable Mention and claimed a spot on the All-Freshman Team. “Liberos aren’t typically picked for this type of award,” Briggs said. “I was shocked when I heard.” Briggs stepped into the role of defensive leader early, but he said he couldn’t

have done it without the support of his teammates. “My first thoughts go to the team, I win this award, but it’s a team effort,” Briggs said. “I obviously couldn’t do it without them, especially coming in as a freshman with the older guys trusting in me.” Contributing immediately as a freshman for No. 4 Long Beach (9-1) was one of his main goals coming into the season. Briggs had to look towards his teammates to trust in him while hoping to lead the back-to-back champs to another NCAA National championship. “The older guys trusted in me, letting me lead in certain areas of the game,” Briggs said. “Building that trust through the season, even when it was cut short, it was becoming a pretty cool thing.” Due to stay-at-home orders, Briggs was unable to celebrate with his teammates and coaching staff to show his appreciation for the hard work he felt the whole program contributed to winning the award. “I was really excited about coming in, I had a lot to work on and improve,” Briggs

said. “I came into our fall season two weeks late because I was playing with the USA youth national team, so I missed a couple of things. I had to build that trust and those relationships early on with not being there from the start.” Briggs had to earn his starting spot among the seniors to build chemistry and trust on the court in order to be the team’s defensive specialist. “Trust is something that is earned over repeatable action, Mason is what we call a top-ten pectenter in our program,” Long Beach State head coach Alan Knipe said. “He commits himself to not do what is just asked from him, but he constantly is finding ways to get better on his own, and trying to find things from the coaching staff that makes him the best player he is capable of being.” Briggs showed a leadership mindset early on in the season and backed it up with his production on the court, ending the season tied for the third-most sets played for the Beach, only behind standout juniors Simon Anderson and Carlos Rivera.

Briggs led the team in digs with 89 on the season and averaged a team-best 2.34 per set, also good for second overall in the Big West. Briggs posted nine or more digs in six games this season, with a season-high 15 against No. 9 UCLA Feb. 29. “For me, it was a lot of growth and every week talking with our coaches,” Briggs said. “Setting my own goals, week by week breaking it down, I started to feel a lot of improvement going into the meat of our season about to start conference play.” Unfortunately, the Beach had its chance at a three-peat attempt stolen six days before the beginning of conference play. But instead of thinking about what could have been, Briggs is focusing on his sophomore season by training in his culde-sac with a chalk-drawn half court and the support of his brother Trevor. “It is easy to fall into this quarantine thing,” Briggs said. “It is easy to say ‘Oh I’m not going to do this and use this time to rest.’ Flip that mindset, and use this time to improve and not let it be lost.”

10 SPORTS

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | OPINION@DAILY49ER.COM

MARK LINDAHL | Daily Forty-Niner

The Long Beach State Athletics Department estimates $1.8 million in revenue lost due to the cancellation of spring competition. The department hopes and plans for play to resume fall 2020.

OUT FOR THE SPRING Long Beach State Athletic Director Andy Fee and the athletic department are looking for ways to recover from a $1.8 million revenue loss. By Ramon Alvarado Staff Writer

n the evening of March 10, Long Beach State Athletic Director Andy Fee sat in the crowd-less Walter Pyramid bleachers watching the women’s basketball team compete against Cal Poly in the Big West Tournament. “We’ll get through the Big West basketball tournament at least, and who knows what happens after this,” Fee thought to himself as he looked on. He remained hopeful, but Fee knew things weren’t heading in a positive direction. Two days later, the Big West Conference announced the rest of the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments were canceled and all spring sports were suspended indefinitely. The Long Beach State Athletic Department has reported an estimated $1.8 million loss in revenue stemming from the absence of ticket sales, corporate sponsorships and donations, according to Fee.

The revenue loss has put the athletic department in “recovery mode,” forcing it to look for creative ways to maintain the budget while keeping team operations in order. “We don’t have a lot of excess,” Fee said via phone call with the Forty-Niner. “A lot of people think of athletics and they think of the big schools like Ohio State or USC. We don’t charter flights anywhere. When we cut, we’re cutting into muscle. We’re not cutting into fat.” The department has done it’s best to reduce costs where it’s needed most. No Long Beach team has seen any direct cuts, nor have any scholarships been rescinded. Fee said they’ve already committed scholarships to athletes for the upcoming year that will be honored, and scholarship funding, along with student-athlete success, will continue to be a top priority. Corporate sponsors, an important source of income for the athletic department, are at the top of that priority list as well. If the economy is spiraling downwards and the coronavirus pandemic continues, Fee said these sponsors may not renew their deals for next year. “[Sponsors] rely on us providing something in return,” Fee said. “If we can’t promote them because there’s no games, that’s

income that doesn’t come our way.” The athletic department has remained in touch with corporate sponsors, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific and Dignity Health Care, to discuss potential sponsorship agreements should the suspension of athletic events be carried over to the fall. Although fall sports remain in question, Fee and the rest of the athletic directors in the Big West meet weekly via Zoom to discuss the future. Among the discussions have been ways to cut costs within the conference if competition resumes with a limited crowd. One idea that has been discussed, but is far from certain, is cutting the number of teams who make conference tournaments, “because that saves money.” “We’re looking at ways to save money as a whole, but we’re also looking to each other for best practices,” Fee said. “We’re all kind of going through the same thing. Maybe to varying degrees, but we’re all going through the same thing of having to cut costs, look for different streams of revenue, and it’s difficult.” Fee and other Big West athletic directors are optimistic that sports will return to normal in the fall, but Fee said it all depends on updates from the Department of

Public Health and campus medical professionals. “My hope is that it’s a return to what we consider normal,” Fee said. “We also understand that might not be, so what does [the new normal] look like? I don’t have definitive answers in that respect, but we are looking into it.” As of now, the athletic department is determining whether or not it should begin selling tickets for fall sports. Fee said he already has staff working extra hours to refund those who purchased tickets for spring 2020 competitions, and he doesn’t want to add on to that load by rescinding fall tickets. There’s a possibility that face-to-face classes will be switched to online instruction in the fall. However, the cancellation of face-to-face classes wouldn’t mean the cancellation of fall sports. “If we could find a way to play, say there’s gatherings of 50 permitted, unfortunately, fans couldn’t be there, but I would love for [games to resume],” Fee said. “We want to make sure, even in that capacity, that it is safe for the student-athletes, the coaches, support staff, and anybody that would be at that event.