Coaches, players find creative ways to stay active during coronavirus social distancing
Rory Sharrock
The coronavirus outbreak has forced Americans into a world of isolation, self-quarantine and social distancing.
For coaches and players, this "new normal" is a severe break from their former daily routine of interaction, training and games.
The adjustment period for this revised lifestyle also has a deeper impact beyond competitions.
Perhaps the biggest aspect comes from an academic standpoint. The curriculum for the remainder of the semester is being conducted online. All correspondence with professors and academic advisers is handled via email.
As time has passed, the reality of the current situation has settled for most athletes. However, the level of frustration is higher for those involved in spring sports.
Their season is over after just one month into the action.
"It's been a hard adjustment and a whirlwind of emotions," Florida A&M closer Jeremiah McCollum said. "Baseball is similar to life. There's going to be a lot of things that don't go your way. It hurts right now, but we'll be back at Moore-Kittles Field."
McCollum is a native of Houston, Texas. He has since returned home to the Lone Star State in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
While in Texas, he is recharging mentally and physically. This includes at-home workouts and downtime spent with family. The Rattler is also making sure he remains on point with his classwork.
"You have to go old fashion with push-ups, sit-ups and running until the gyms open again. You can still throw and do arm stretches," he said. "The AD (Kortne Gosha) sent out a mass email saying school isn't over. He said to stay on top of classes to be eligible. Coach (Jamey) Shouppe is emphasizing to stay strong and be active.
"Don't be dormant and take care of yourself."
The cancellation of springtime activities ended the championship dream for the men's basketball team at Tallahassee Community College.
On the heels of their Panhandle Conference-winning season, the Eagles were bound for the NJCAA tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
TCC was originally scheduled to play Shelton State Community College on March 16.
This game was first postponed until April 20. Last week, the NJCAA announced a halt to spring sports including the basketball tournament.
El Ellis – the Panhandle Conference and Freshman Player of the Year – is a gym rat who spent hours in training. Now, this activity is no longer an option for him.
This past weekend, Ellis returned to his hometown of Durham, North Carolina. He plans to stay there for the foreseeable future.
"I used to be in the gym every day. The gym is now closed. I'm just going to watch TV, do things at home and rest my body," Ellis said.
After his impressive season in which he averaged 14.3 points, 4.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds, Ellis has become a prime recruiting target. He has received several offers from Division I programs.
However, per NCAA rules regarding the coronavirus outbreak, players and coaches are not allowed to meet in person. The communication between Ellis and D-I coaches has been through FaceTime and other video conferencing outlets.
The element of social distancing leaves a void in the comfort zone of athletes and coaches. However, for FAMU women's basketball head coach Kevin Lynum, the time away from the office allows him to fill a major gap in personal connections.
Lynum and his family welcomed a newborn son, Kash, during the season. Now, he's able to enjoy uninterrupted bonding without having to split hours between being on campus and at home.
"I'm making the best of this home family time," Lynum said. "I have a two-month-old son, so this has been refreshing for me. During the season, almost every other day, it was like daddy is headed here and there.
"It's cool being here with him."
Follow FAMU and TCC beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @rattlernews and @married2game1.