Sports games and practices end abruptly

BY FELIPE GAMINO

M ultiple sporting events and professional soccer leagues across the world have either postponed their seasons or canceled them due to the concern of COVID-19.

The same occurred at the community college level. Sports games and practices at Pierce have been postponed indefinitely.

Interim Athletic Director

Susan Armenta said the department is preparing as classes transition online.

“We are just waiting so when we come back on March 30, the coaches are aware that the classes are online so some of them are preparing themselves in the trainings that are offered,” Armenta said. “And at that point we won't have anyone on campus.”

Armenta said the athletes pay for their health fee and are not charged extra when they are playing their respective sport. She said the rug was pulled from underneath them.

“We had all of these tasks and things we wanted to finish,” Armenta said. “Get everyone ready as it is portrayed to travel and all of a sudden nothing. This is so odd and it is a huge surprise. As we saw things in the media, professional sports, and the district that we had to see it coming.”

Armenta instructed head swim coach Judi Terhar to do her online instruction from home.

She mentioned that all conditioning classes will make the transition to online.

Head coach Adolfo Perez said that two exchange students from El Camino Real High School’s boys' soccer team are being sent home because of the pandemic.

“These kids paid almost $25,000,” Perez said. “So they paid all this money, they are not getting reimbursed and are asked to leave. One of the kids is from Italy and the parents don't want him to go back because he is their only child.”

Perez said he is frustrated with the whole situation but is optimistic things will get better.

Terhar said the swimmers are disappointed with not competing.

“We are at the beginning where there is a lot of fear and things change daily,” Terhar said. “I just encourage them and help them understand that this is more for the elderly, but they can be carriers and as a result we want to protect the elderly. Being in compliance with what the government has asked us to do is really important for everyone's safety.”

Terhar said she wouldn't be surprised if the players get another year of eligibility. She said she will be keeping her swimmers active.

“I have many clips that I will be sending them to keep them busy,” Terhar said. “However, what matters right now is their mental state. Being an encouragement to them and making them understand that when things are out of their control that they take care of themselves and each other.” be seen cutting the twine on top of a giant haystack and Steven Jara-Cooper was driving supplies to the farm in the cart.

Farm Manager Marcie Sajakian and her student workers are still working despite the campus closure and tending to the animals on the farm as usual.

"We have animals that need to be fed and watered 365 days a year regardless of rain, fire, et cetera," Sajakian said.

Jara-Cooper said that he felt it was important to keep the farm open and risk coming to campus because the animals cannot take care of themselves. bhanson.roundupnews@gmail.com

Sajakian said she felt that the precautions the LACCD is taking are necessary.

"We’re going to do our best to keep our animals taken care of and our students safe," Sajakian said, "Our top priority is the health and safety of our students."

The Pierce College Art Gallery has not canceled any of their events and has not posted anything regarding their schedule, according to a statement from their official Instagram.

“We’re figuring out what to do, in advisement from Administration,” the Gallery said. “When we know more, we’ll post here.” gormeno.roundupnews@gmail.com

Five ASO Afternoon Concerts have been canceled. The rest of the concerts are subject to change, according to their website.