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No matter what, keep a positive attitude. Even though

15 track athletes were in WinstonSalem NC for their Indoor National C h ampi onsh ip, and t he wome n’s basketball was in Holland, MI making a Sweet 16 appearance. Baseball was also in Florida competing and lacrosse, softball, and volleyball all had bright seasons ahead of them.

Some of the athletes and coaches voiced their feeling relating to this situation. Others had a hard coming to terms with what is all going on and wanted to remain silent. For first-year wrestler Shane Leigel and his teammates, it was about to be an exciting weekend full of competition and likely glory. Leigel’s first year was one filled with great success, memories and appreciation for his teammates. He hopes for himself and future teammates to step up and wrestle in their honor.

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“I still to this moment feel like it’s all a dream,” said Leigel. “The seniors like Guy, Eddie, Murray, and Clint all welcomed me in with open arms at the beginning of the year.”

Much like Leigel, women basketball athlete Courtney Schnoor was so glad to be surrounded by great teammates all season long t hat s aw t hem “ bre a k records and make history.” “I feel blessed more than anything right now. I can’t really put into words what this year was like and how amazing the seniors are, not only as basketball players but also just people,” said Schnoor.

Lacrosse athlete and senior Olivia Flynn was in the midst of her final season, ready to prove the commitment she and her teammates have put in. Unfortunately, they will not be able to play the season, leaving the team in sadness, anger, and confusion.

“I think I speak for every senior in this position right now when I share how sad I am to not have a senior day, to not have the opportunity to play a game knowing it could be your last, and to not have one last practice,” said Flynn. “I still feel like I am living in a fake world, it’s just surreal. I am extremely grateful for my time as an athlete and will forever cherish the lessons it taught me. Especially the lesson we are all being taught during this time.”

Across many of the coaches and athletes, a common sentiment was shared about the seriousness of the situation but especially remembering what has been accomplished and that no one can take that away from those teams.

Head wrestling coach T.J. Miller was away in Cedar Rapids with his team. As a coach, he would have loved to watch the continued success of his athlete but instead had to be a leader in sharing the reality of the situation.

“I’m sad, frustrated, angry, all at once. I don’t think anything I’m going to say is going to make anything better. It’s a completely strange and bizarre time in history,” said Miller. “My heart breaks for all athletes across America. With history I can say this, what these seniors did for this college can’t be measured.”

Baseball athlete and senior Bill Luzzo was in Florida when the news of the season ending broke.

He was shocked to see everything come to a halt and felt his team was poised for a big run in the conference. It is a “lesson learned” for him but was grateful for the memories he made with his Loras College teammates.

“A season can be taken in instant but no one can take away hard work and memories you made,” said Luzzo. Writers Note: I am thankful for all those who reached back to me and shared their feelings on the situation. This situation is complex and not easy to fully comprehend but the health of society should remain important. I appreciate all the Loras College athletes for their dedication to teammates, coaches, and Loras College. Their dedication and work ethics were an example for all of us and gave us the motivation to be the best in whatever we are involved in. Thank you! photo by JON QUINN The stands of the Rockbowl will remain empty for the remainder of the second semester. The NCAA canceled all Spring championships in a tweet last Thursday, Mar. 12. continued from page 1 SHANE LEIGEL COURTNEY SCHNOOR OLIVIA FLYNN BILL LUZZO

Track and Field Championships

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National Indoor Championships until she heard the bad news.

“My worst feelings are for the seniors, I am saddened to not see them have a chance to go out there and show their hard work,” Bahl said. “I’m sad not to be able to compete, based off of the amount of confidence I believe has been built up since last year.”

The team seniors that were supposed to compete this past weekend included decorated athletes Gabrielle Noland, Patrick Mikel, Tyson Morrison, Shamari Scott, and Michelle Budden. Many of the seniors were devastated by the news and were unable to comment about the situation.

Athletes around the world are shocked by the decision to cancel all spring events and practices. The hard work and motivation that every athlete brings to their sport is something that can never be stunted. The NCAA is in the process of determining how to handle eligibility status of college athletes, especially of the seniors. Among the chaos, the Duhawks will continue to stay strong and keep positive mindsets about the upcoming athletic seasons.

photo by JON QUINN Spring sports no longer have a NCAA DIII Championship tournament. This will be the first time the Rockbowl will sit empty for the spring semester. Occasionally athletes can be seen working out here for next season.

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