Post by sader1970 on Nov 24, 2020 20:48:35 GMT -5
Dear XXX,
Happy Thanksgiving. I hope this letter finds you and your family safe and healthy. What an interesting few months it has been!
I’d first like to start off by acknowledging that yesterday — Nov. 23 — was exactly ONE year since our home win against Georgetown to secure the 2019 Patriot League title. What a great ride that was, and who would have thought 2020 would look so different?
I am sure you are wondering how your team has been doing over the last few months.
Back in March and April, we were in the midst of our virtual spring season and still hopeful for a return in the fall. We were prepared, had extreme confidence in one another, and felt that we were overcoming many odds. We could not wait to get back together as a team. However, the virus had other plans.
As each school and team in our league began to figure out its next steps, we did the same. We worked through many different scenarios and eventually landed at the realization that we were not going to be able to have our FULL team back for the fall semester. We instead began a hybrid approach to practice, consistent with our school’s directive.
I credit our staff and players for staying POSITIVE and getting creative, which led to essential team productivity and growth. In that creativity, we found new ways to teach and interact that will serve us well moving forward.
This past semester saw a handful of players on campus and a few others commuting from their MA, NH and CT homes two to three times each week. A third group made the decision to move to the Worcester area in order to be with their team. All of these young men were committed, and as challenging as the fall may have been, NONE complained. Instead, they found ways to make the MOST out of each moment together.
Those who were unable to join us on campus stayed engaged at home and grew with their teammates through virtual meetings and film study, as well as through our strength and conditioning program. Our team’s discipline and commitment were on display each day, and throughout our entire fall practice schedule, we were proud to report ZERO COVID cases. That commitment to both safety and progress is to be commended.
We all FULLY understand what was, and continues to be, at stake during the fall and this upcoming holiday break. There will be no rest or complaints…only the commitment to one another and our desire to get better each and every day!
At this time, the spring season remains unclear, but we have hope. When we are approved to return, I am excited about our chances for making up on missed time and getting our team prepared for a potential spring season. Clearly, this will not be easy, but that is irrelevant. We have missed out on a great deal of football schematics, in-game situations, position-specific technique and evaluation of physical progress, but what team hasn’t? We know where we will be deficient and THAT is a start.
Every great story. Every great event throughout all of history. Every champion. They ALL have something in common — overcoming adversity.
For those who are unsure if the impossible can be done, BET ON PURPLE. It will serve you well!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours. Thank you for all of your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Bob Chesney
Head Coach