Most return for spring semester
Football is a big deal at SWOSU and not having football or any athletics this season because of COVID-19 has taken a toll on SWOSU and has saddened most college students.
Zeta Phi president Montana Keith said not having football has been something that was truly missed this semester.
“I do feel like fall semester football is a big part of college, especially for Greek life,” Keith said. “I personally believe my most favorite college memories are from tailgating and watching SWOSU football. Tailgating is where a lot of bonding between the members and pledges are formed in Zeta Phi and when we cook out with our brother fraternity Phi Delta Theta too. Even with this pandemic happening we have still been able to create a sisterly bond experience between each other. If SWOSU football is not played next year which I really hope it does but if not I would advise the future presidents to find some other bonding events that you can still participate in but social distance.”
SWOSU sophomore Carson Liticker, from El Reno, said it has been awful not having football this fall because it is fun to gather and hang out with friends while watching football.
“This has been a really weird experience, because football is a big deal on a college campus,” Liticker said. “College football is a really big industry and a big source of income for colleges. It provides another event for us to gather and come together as a community. I am a big bulldogs fan.”
SWOSU athletic director Todd Helton said keeping student athlete’s safe is the utmost important thing, even though it has been a bummer not having sports this fall.
“This semester has not been ideal,” Helton said. “To ensure the safety of our student athletes this fall, we felt we could not proceed this fall, but we definitely are looking forward to this spring.”
Helton said this fall benefited all the sports because they practiced, worked extra hard in the classroom and got better.
“Our student athletes took advantage of this fall in the classroom and by getting better in practice,” Helton said. “We worked out hard and got bigger, faster and stronger. We had lots of transfers and freshmen this year and they took advantage of this situation. It was like a spring ball situation and lots of players were developed this fall. We will benefit from this in the long run.”
Helton said this fall also was like when a freshman comes in and redshirts.
“I have used the analogy of just like when a freshman comes in and redshirts,” Helton said. “They usually do not enjoy the redshirt year because it is lots of practice, working out and no playing time on the field,” Helton said. “However, when you talk to those student athletes after they finish their redshirt year and careers, they realize this was the best thing for them in the long run. Most of the time, they may not have enjoyed it, but it was good to take a year to get better and learn.”
SWOSU offensive coordinator Tyler Hennes said it has been good to get extra practice this fall, but safety is the top priority.
“I think it is important to take COVID-19 seriously, even though we did not get to play football this fall,” Hennes said. “Our student athletes have to be our top priority. It has been good to get on the practice field this fall and we will get through this.”
Hennes said they are finding as many positives as possible and they see not having had football this fall as a challenge.
“The new athletes coming to campus to play football get more time to learn the playbook,” Hennes said. “Also, guys who were injured have more time to heal and get ready for next season. We will continue to shine positive lights through this and we will come out strong in the end. In order to overcome any challenge, it starts with having a good attitude and keeping your head up. I enjoy coaching football and coaching these student athletes.”
Senior football player Trey Gooch said not having football this fall has not been fun, but he did get more time to focus on school work.
“It has been disappointing being a senior and not having football,” Gooch said. “I did not want to leave like this and I never would have expected to play my last game last season. I did get to focus on my classwork more than I normally do in the fall. The guys coming back for next season got some time to heal up from any injuries. For the guys coming back, I want to say play each game like it is your last. Work hard in the classroom and weight room. Do not take any moment for granted with your coaches and teammates, because it could end just like that..”
SWOSU will play sports this semester, with basketball beginning January 7 against East Central. With the ongoing pandemic, Helton said this is a fluid situation.
“We have to monitor the COVID-19 situation at SWOSU, in our community and out state,” Helton said. “The safety of our student athletes is our No. 1 priority. Hopefully, we can safely compete this spring, but the ultimate goal is to allow our student athletes to compete. We are doing everything possible to play sports in a safe manner this spring.”