COVID-19 has become one of the most talked about things in our world today. This virus has effected many things in our lives such as enjoying our favorite TV shows live from our home, getting the chance to go back to school or college, or even just being able to play our favorite sports in the nice weather. Coming back to the topic of sports, for the Iowa Lakes golf team, there season was unfortunately canceled due to the unfortunate times of COVID-19.
Coach Jarvis Weber talked about process of how the NJCAA had to cancel their season for golf this year. “The decision came down from the national office of the NJCAA, so there was nothing we could do about it,” said Weber.
“I knew it was a possibility from rumors and rumblings from other coaches, but that did not prepare me for when that call and decision came. I was devastated, still am. The team worked extremely hard both academically and athletically for this season and to see it never happen is almost indescribable.”
Luke Sladek, who is a current sophomore for the Iowa Lakes golf team talked about how he and his teammates felt when they found out about the cancellation of this year’s softball season and how it affected him personally.
“I felt really sad and angry about the NJCAA canceling the season due to a virus that is a little bit worse than a cold and fever,” said Sladek. “It affected me by not having me play outside or on the course, but at least the governor is trying to open up the courses. I was about to have a great year start-to-finish. My teammates were in the same boat as I was. We were all sad and depressed that the NJCAA had to cancel the season due to a sickness.”
Coach Weber would then talk about the students and how they took the news of how they were going to half to cancel their golf season this year. “Everybody was extremely disappointed,” said Weber. “You work all year for this 6-8 week spring season, and to see all of that work go towards no culminating moment, it is very disappointing and devastating.”
Weber would then talk about how it affected him personally. “I, personally, first and foremost, am devastated for my players, said Weber. “This is all about them and they don’t get to see that come to fruition. Other than that, it is an empty feeling of working for two plus years recruiting a roster that you believe can perform at the highest level and never getting to see what all of your work, patience, and dedication would truly become.”
Coach Weber would then talk about what to expect for next year’s golf season for Iowa Lakes. “We will return to normal and continue to be a competitive golf program that Iowa Lakes has developed over the last two decades. I had an experienced team this season with only three students returning for next year from that roster (one male and two females), so we will be young, but we will be competitive,” said Weber.
Weber would the give a finally statement to the players who couldn’t finish their season this year for Iowa Lakes.
“This is unprecedented times, but we will get through this and be stronger than ever,” said Weber. “Character is developed through tough times and adversity, and even if we didn’t get to compete and finish our season, you have all grown into incredible young adults and human beings, and that I will forever be proud of. I am extremely grateful for what each of you brought into our program, into our history, and I look forward to seeing where you go and who you become. Thank you for everything you have done for this program, your college, and your coach.”
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