'Cuse Athletics Keeps Running in Unique Spring Season

The unfortunate circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have created some unique challenges for all, but they have not kept the Syracuse University Athletics Department from focusing on its mission and commitment to the student-athletes.

Following discussion and recommendations from the NCAA Division I Council, Director of Athletics John Wildhack and the athletics administration elected to support any senior from spring sports whose season was cut short and who wish to return.

"Inviting the spring sport student-athletes to come back to Syracuse to further their academic pursuits and experience closure for their collegiate athletics experience is the right thing to do," Wildhack said. "I appreciate the support of University leadership, the athletics administration, and the coaches in arriving at this decision and positioning the department to be able to support our student-athletes in fulfilling their academic and athletic pursuits."

The group of student-athletes who will return to Syracuse to further their studies and complete the final year of athletic eligibility has a cumulative grade point average of 3.2. More than 75 percent of the group will be enrolled in graduate school or studying in graduate Certificates of Advanced Study programs.

"Our guiding principles drive us to provide the best experience for our student-athletes by nurturing productivity, communication and strong decision-making within all facets of the department," WIldhack said. "During this break in collegiate sports on the field our administration is focused on the health and well-being of our student-athletes, their experience when they return to campus, efficient budget management, remaining engaged with our fans, and professional development."

The work behind the scenes includes:

The Stevenson Educational Center student-athlete academic services staff are working tirelessly to continue helping student-athletes navigate their classwork, which has evolved from classroom to on-line.
Construction continues at the Stadium. Fans can check in on the progress of the roof replacement via a live cam on the Hayner Hoyt Cuse.com web page.
Important financial decisions are being made, with a continued focus on fiscal responsibility and cost containment, with a focus on short- and long-term measures.
A collaboration between the Athletic Communications, Creative Services, Digital Strategy and Engagement, and the Voice of the Orange Matt Park produced a celebration of the 2003 men's basketball NCAA Championship. The group created a 'virtual watch party' that hosted as many as 3,600 Facebook guests at one time. Park hosted the group chat that included Hall of Fame Coach Jim Boeheim, 2003 Final Four MVP Carmelo Anthony, and many of the student-athletes and staff from that team.
The Sports Medicine and Strength and Conditioning staffs are participating in daily video conferences with the Sports Medicine and Strength and Conditioning staffs, focusing on continuing education and enhancing best practices. The meetings have included alumni from the Syracuse University Sports Medicine Department who are in the profession, including athletic trainers from the NFL, NBA, and XFL.
The Office of Student-Athlete Engagement continues to connect with our student-athletes through virtual office hours and consultations on leadership, career development and preparation, and educational efforts through social media for mental health, creative and fun workouts, healthy eating tips, and recipes.

Syracuse University Athletics

'Cuse Athletics Keeps Running in Unique Spring Season

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