A NEW KIND OF COMPETITION By David Rung, director of athletics media relations
Like so many other areas, sports saw its world rapidly changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Athletics shut down with the rest of the country in mid-March, canceling the remainder of the Spring 2020 season and cutting short the postseason opportunities for winter sports. The effects continued through the summer, with the PSAC postponing fall sports until after the new year, and the NCAA canceling its Division II fall championship events. Gannon made the best of an imperfect situation though, crafting a Return-to-Play plan and looking at multiple avenues to provide a positive, healthy and meaningful experience during the fall semester. Student-athletes began returning to campus in late July, and all 24 Golden Knight teams were able to engage in practices, workouts and team activities. In addition, the men’s and women’s golf teams were able to compete in a combined six tournaments in September and October. Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk sat down for a wide-ranging interview that covered not only the impact of COVID-19, but also the continuing growth of the athletics department and its future goals. 24
GANNON MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2020
