Howard Payne University’s athletics has been a major attraction in bringing new students to Brownwood and retaining current students. This year brought unforeseen changes in athletics and the schedules of many student athletes. COVID-19 caused the ASC to delay the fall 2020 athletic season to spring 2021.
Morgan Patterson, a senior soccer player, has mixed feelings about the situation. Although the soccer team usually plays their season in the fall, the delay has pushed their season into the spring along with football, volleyball, and other sports on campus.
“At first, I was upset about the delay, because we had one senior [on the team] who lost her last season since she will be graduating in December. Now, I appreciate the fact that we get to have several more months of preparation.”
With the changes in the schedule, many seniors who are on track to graduate in December will lose their last season of playing. However, with the changes, seniors will not lose any eligibility if they decide to continue playing into grad school.
Jordan Favors, a second-year cheerleader has strong feelings about the delay.
“When I heard news that football was postponed, I immediately thought of how disappointed the entire student body would be. Football games bring students together. It’s a great way to meet new people and come together like the family HPU really is,” Favors said.
With the changes in practice schedules and games, many of the teams will not be able to play a full season’s worth of games. In doing this, the ASC preserves eligibility for those who might opt to play in a fifth year or even while in graduate school.
Jonathan Villarreal, a sophomore tennis player, said his sport has not been majorly affected by the ASC changes so far. However, he is thankful for HPU’s flexibility and focus on keeping students safe and healthy.
“Howard Payne has made it easy to be able to adapt and follow rules and because I’d rather take in person classes instead of online, I am willing to do what it takes to be safe on campus for my sake and those around me,” said Villarreal.
Although many are disappointed to see their sport’s season be rearranged in a way no one could have predict, HPU Student athletes are thankful that their seasons are postponed rather than completely cancelled. They are hopeful that this new change will allow their teams more preparation and time to play safely for the health of their teammates and fans.