Sidelined in 2020 by Covid outbreak, Rowan student athletes are back!

After a year without the sights and sounds of competition, Rowan athletes returned to the fields with women's lacrosse hosting Salisbury at Coach Wackar Stadium and softball, baseball and track & field resuming play.

Seeing the Brown & Gold in action again was a welcome sight for many and the result of many months of planning, testing and perseverance by Rowan's athletic staff, coaches and student-athletes. And the announcement of the return was met with sheer joy by the Profs' student-athletes. 

“When we finally found out that we would be able to play games again after missing out on last year's season, the excitement was contagious and our team's appreciation for the sport grew that much stronger. We knew that this season was not going to be a normal one, but none of us cared as long as we were out there playing and competing again,” said senior co-captain Dara Hennessy of the women’s lacrosse team.

Lacrosse got the ball rolling for the Profs and the softball team returned to the field next on March 11, playing its opener a year after its 2020 season ended on March 9.

"It’s exciting to finally be able to put my cleats back on and play live games again. It feels like it has been so long since we have played another team and I am eager to see where our talent will take us this season," said senior pitcher Emily August of the softball team. "This season will look a lot different than the past, but I am very grateful that we have the opportunity to play."

The Profs’ baseball squad has waited more than a year for that first pitch, as a few early-season cancellations delayed the start until March 17, but the team is poised to make the best of its chances.

“Being told we are going to compete again was an indescribable feeling, I know for my team and myself we’ve waited a long time for this opportunity again and we will not let it go to waste,” commented senior outfielder Michael Manganella of the baseball team.

The men’s and women’s track teams will be the final Rowan squads to begin competition (on March 26 at Stockton), but the anticipation amongst the student-athletes is palpable.

Senior sprinter Justin Bishop said, "The team is very excited going into the first meet. I can feel the energy and everybody is counting the days. The team is getting into shape day by day and will be prepared on March 26th.”

“I am excited that the freshman and sophomores will finally get to compete at the collegiate level. I think it is important as we transition back to competition to make sure we are being smart and safe, still following social distancing and wearing our masks,” stated senior distance runner Alyssa Sanders. “For me the health of the team comes first, since you can’t compete if your team isn’t healthy. So as long as we can stay healthy and have fun while competing, I think it will be a great season.”

The student-athletes, coaches and staff have been undergoing weekly COVID testing to ensure the safety of all, while spectators at games are limited to two parents or guardians per Rowan student-athlete. This return to competition was made possible by the efforts of many parties all across campus and does not go unnoticed by those in athletics.

“We're grateful to Rowan's administration and staff who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality," said Dr. John Giannini, director of athletics. "We're especially appreciative of the support from those in Student Health Services and the Wellness Center which are providing the testing necessary to follow the NCAA's Resocialization Recommendations for the Return to Sport policy."

And no matter whether games and races are won or lost, it promises to be a season to cherish for the Profs.

Sanders added, “What I have learned through this last year of the pandemic is to find joy and happiness in whatever life throws at you and I intend on applying that to the season.”