UD Student Athletes React to Spring Sports Cancellations
Photo of UD Arena from Shawn McLaws/Rooted Media
Michael Crouchley
Sports Editor
Earlier this week, Dayton Athletics announced that all athletic events would be suspended indefinitely due to concerns of the spread of coronavirus. The NCAA followed suit, canceling all 2020 Spring Championships.
This abruptly ended Dayton’s basketball, baseball, softball and tennis seasons.
Many of the teams and players reacted to the news on social media:
Men’s Basketball
Dayton men’s basketball’s official account tweeted a team picture with the caption “Bigger than basketball.”
The account later tweeted out a video with comments from head coach Anthony Grant, thanking the fans and commending the team’s performance this season.
Senior guard Trey Landers tweeted “I wish all of this was just a dream that I could wake up from … Wish i could play one more game with my brothers …”
Graduate forward Ryan Mikesell posted a statement reflecting on his time with the team.
Here are other reactions from Dayton men’s basketball players:
Women’s Basketball
Dayton women’s basketball’s official account retweeted several tweets after the season’s cancelation, including a highlight video from the University of Dayton’s official account.
Seniors Jayla Scaife, Jordan Wilmoth and Christine Szabo all expressed sadness that their careers had ended so abruptly.
Redshirt junior guard Erin Whalen also reacted to the news, retweeting the NCAA’s tweet with the caption “Wow.”
Baseball
Dayton baseball’s official account tweeted some pictures from the season so far along with the caption “Not the way we wanted it to end, but extremely proud of the family we built. Thank you to all of the seniors and the legacy they were able to leave and thank you to everyone who followed us along the way! #FlyBoys #GoFlyers.”
Senior pitcher Hunter Wolfe tweeted “One day you are preparing for your 5th series of the year, and the next day you are crying on the shoulders of your brothers. It shouldn’t end like this.” This tweet gained significant attention, amassing over 630 likes and 60 retweets, with many of UD’s other baseball players retweeting it.
Junior infielder Mariano Ricciardi retweeted a post from the NCAA, urging the organization to grant an extra year of availability to seniors who had their final season cut short.
Here are some other reactions from Dayton baseball players:
Softball
Dayton softball freshman catcher Katie Reeg retweeted the Atlantic 10 Conference’s tweet with the comment “Couldn’t be more devastated! My heart aches for every senior who didn’t get their final game! #2feet.”
Sophomore infielder Megan Gist tweeted a statement with many of her thoughts on the end of the season along with a picture.
Tennis
Dayton Tennis’ official account tweeted “A hard end to the season, but we’re extremely thankful for those who were part of it. Thank you to the seniors for everything you’ve done for the program and the family you were able to build. #GoFlyers,” along with photos of both the men’s and women’s tennis teams.
Sophomore Mary Brascia retweeted the A10’s statement with the comment “sad to see the 2020 tennis szn come to an end, but I will cherish the mems we were able to make <3.”
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