MASKS AND DISTANCE: Ravens Adjust to a Semester of Unique Practices

By Samantha Norwood, staff writer.

2020 is clearly a year unlike any other. The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the world operates, and that translates directly into the world of college sports. With no competition this semester, and physical restrictions to keep people safe, sports practices and conditioning at Franklin Pierce have looked drastically different.

The Ravens must remain socially distanced, limit contact and train in smaller groups than usual, which has posed challenges for each and every team. The rowing team cannot go out on the water, runners must keep distance, and partner exercises are no longer possible. “We have had to shift all of our training outside and have had to remain in groups of nine with ten feet between each person,” says Javier Ramirez, the University’s head strength and conditioning coach. “We are requiring all of our student athletes wear a mask while training, unless it is during intense training, where we instruct them to space even more.” As the Department of Athletics progresses through its return to play phases, Ramirez was only recently cleared to move workouts back inside, while maintaining social distancing.

Teams have been faced with new workouts, and new ways of adapting to this semester. Full team practices are not yet possible for many teams, and drills cannot be run in the same way as in the past. The lacrosse team has had to use cones for defense. The volleyball team has had to practice in groups of six. The rowing team must remain on land. Fortunately, everyone in Athletics understands the severity of the situation and has accepted the challenge. “Our coaches are having to work really hard to put drills together for all of our practices since they have to fit the new guidelines,” says Britney Loyd about her volleyball coaches. Across the board, the coaching staff has worked diligently to ensure success for their teams.

Despite the challenges, the current situation has brought many teams together in unconventional ways. Field hockey player Christine Jarowicz put it best: “We have leaned on each other for support and comfort which has brought us closer than practicing together could ever have. We have reached out to each other and expanded our comfort zones. We are all going through this together!” The field hockey team has found creative ways to stay together and be socially distant, including going kayaking and paddle boarding as a team.

Aside from social distancing during practice, some teams are separated by larger distances. Men’s soccer player Yanai Sayag explains: “Not all our players are here…we have over 10 guys who couldn’t attend this semester. It’s affecting the team on and off the field, but we try to stay in touch with everyone through Zoom to keep the team together.” They have also found time to explore the local area in New Hampshire with those players who are on campus, something they normally would not have time to do. Sayag says it’s a positive side to a new situation.

While the pandemic has forced teams to change how their practices are run, Ramirez feels there are some new training tactics which will remain after the pandemic. “One thing we are emphasizing is our lateral and linear work. The movement sessions are aimed at owning their posture and moving better during situations they will likely face while playing. We have seen lots of great feedback…and will definitely look to keep doing these in the future.” While finding a solution to a challenge, Ramirez found a new way to improve athletes’ skills which he will continue to utilize moving forward.

As difficult as the lack of competition has been for student-athletes, they find ways to cope. “We must appreciate the fact that we're just missing some of the college experience while others in the world lose relatives and jobs,” explains Sayag. “I'm personally grateful for the opportunity to be here.” That seems to be a common consensus among athletes: they’re just happy to be here. It’s safe to say that sentiment is shared across Raven Nation.