Gene's Blog: Score update for 2021: Optimism 1, Pessimism 0

If the author Charles Dickens returned from his grave, he might sum up the 2020 calendar year thusly:

"It was the worst of times... it was the worst of times."

A worldwide pandemic, with 1.9 million deaths so far. Economic suffering. Conflict and protests in our streets. A divisive election year. Covid protocols. Lonely funerals. Postponed weddings. Canceled proms. Online graduation ceremonies. Distance learning. Hurricanes to the south. Drought and fires out west. An 8-inch October snow in Minnesota.

That was a lot for any of us to easily navigate.

Last Wednesday's chaos in Washington, D.C., didn't exactly calm the waters, either. But in these challenging and even fragile times, we're reminded that optimism is a better choice than pessimism, and that hope beats despair.

The 2021 year will provide a chance for a reset, both on the national scene and in our own lives. Having Covid vaccines on the way provides reason for hope and for better days in the coming weeks and months.

The new year brings us closer to monumental change coming for St. Thomas, too. Administrators, coaches and student-athletes are preparing for an historic transition into NCAA Division I athletics that's now just seven months away.

While a variety of 2020 developments tested us, they also remind us be grateful and stay focused on the things we can control.

Some key figures in St. Thomas Athletics explain what keeps them feeling optimistic and hopeful as we transition into a new calendar year. Here are some of those reactions from Tommie coaches, administrators and student-athletes:

Thanh Pham, Volleyball Head Coach

"My hope for 2021 is that we carry forward the lessons learned from 2020 that pertain to taking care of one another and understanding that we are a part of a global community. I also hope that we continue to work on relationships with those that are closest to us and ourselves.

"I'm excited to learn more in 2021 about what it will take to compete not only in the Summit League but on the Division I level while staying true to our core values."

Pete Wareham, Men's Cross Country Head Coach:

"I am extremely proud of how our guys handled the challenges of Covid during the last many months. It was very tough to navigate those challenges to ensure the campus and community safety while at the same time remaining focused on a sport that means so much to them.

"Looking ahead, I just can't wait for these guys to get back to enjoying all the aspects of athletics including the bus rides with teammates, strengthening friendships, developing their skills, and enjoying the thrill of competition."

Sara Evens, Women's Golf Head Coach:

"The teams that have continued to train for the future will be the teams that are prepared when we get the green light. My goal is to be one of those teams.

"We are hungry for competition, team togetherness and the opportunity to represent St. Thomas on the golf course. I expect that 2021 will be a year of getting our team back competing and for welcoming our first Division I class to St. Thomas in the fall. Those two things are going to make it a year to remember."

John Tschida, Softball Head Coach

"We hope that the new year brings about a season of warm-weather and the ability to connect a group of people together with a common goal. We hope that the new year allows our seniors to have the ability to compete again and to feel the rush of excitement as we enter into each game with the goal of competing at our highest level, mentally, physically and emotionally.

"We hope that the season brings many memorable moments, bringing a group of individuals together to form a bond of friendship that lasts forever."

Chris Olean, Baseball Head Coach

"As we appear to have turned the corner on Covid, I'm hopeful that our baseball players will have the chance to practice and compete this spring.

"No matter what the format, having the opportunity to play baseball and work together as group is something I know we all have been missing since things were shut down last March. Our guys are passionate about baseball, and It's exciting to realize that we will see them having fun playing the game they love again!"

Anna Erickson, Women's Hockey Student-Athlete

"With a new hockey season under way after months of uncertainty, I'm grateful for the opportunity to play the sport I love alongside my best friends. Being at the rink gives me a chance to escape from some of the harsh realities of our world today, whether it is the global pandemic, contentious politics, or my own individual battles.

"Although it is not the season any of us had in mind, our team is looking forward to getting back on the ice to finish out our time in the MIAC and prepare for the transition to Division I next season. I am blessed to be a part of the transition process as a student athlete at St. Thomas, and I'm excited to see what the new year has in store for the school, the team, and for me."

John Tauer, Men's Basketball Head Coach

"I've been so proud of how our guys have handled Covid, starting with an abrupt end to our 2020 season with a 26-3 record and preparing for the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. They continued to persevere through a challenging summer, and now through the first half of the academic year. Through it all, they have stayed together, focused on what they can control, and stayed optimistic and committed to both short- and long-term goals.

"As we enter 2021 and our last year in the MIAC and Division III, we are looking forward to final games in what have been outstanding rivalries. St. Thomas also looks forward to our historic transition from Division III to Division I.

"Although the past year has been challenging personally and professionally, it is through these experiences that we grow and evolve, qualities embedded in our university's DNA. We will continue that momentum, while remaining steadfast in our mission. We will continue to provide an unparalleled balance of academic and athletic excellence, paired with outstanding career preparation. Our location in a vibrant metropolitan area with a passionate network of alumni adds to the opportunity."

Ruth Sinn, Women's Basketball Head Coach

"With all the adjustments that were necessary in 2020 with Covid, we really had to live the one-day-at-a-time mantra. We tried to use our time wisely and find some silver linings. Not having to prepare for an opponent every week, we held more film sessions where we could focus more on ourselves and how we need to grow as players. That time and focus helped everyone's basketball IQ improve.

"Now as 2021 has arrived we are excited to come together again for practices and games. Our program's motto is to be part of something bigger. What we're working for is bigger than ourselves. We've had time to ask 'Why we do what we do?' so we can get back onto the floor with a grateful heart. We don't know what the season will bring, but we just want to maximize what we do when we come together."

Glenn Caruso, Football Head Coach

"I'm a big believer that lessons and burdens are not mutually exclusive. Therefore while there continues to be disruptions and lost opportunities that some could focus on, we're grateful that the culture of our team is one that leans into those inevitible struggles. We firmly believe it's how we choose to handle that adversity that continues to define who we are as a program.

"Obviously, we would have loved to have played a fall season, but not at the expense of the health of our student athletes. We are grateful that our players, medical staff, coaches and administration worked tirelessly to provide every possible opportunity to safely cultivate our team, on and off the field.

"Anyone who has followed our program knows that a positive mental attitude is a quality we hold in the highest regard. We are looking forward to taking all of the sacrifice and lessons of 2020 to create the foundation for a tremendous 2021 experience."

Jack Nasby, Men's Golf Student-Athlete

"We have talked a lot on the men's golf team that we want to finish strong in what will be our last spring season competing in the MIAC. The goal is to go out and try to win our fourth MIAC championship in a row, and continue a strong tradition that has been started. It will be great to experience all those little moments together, whether we are working on our golf game or hanging out and bonding as a team.

"We'll also be excited to turn the corner and look forward to the new traditions at the Division I level competing in the Summit League. There will be a learning curve in Division I, but it's exciting and definitely something we look forward to.

"After everything that's happened, this new year can bring a new sense of gratefulness for everyone on campus. As a student, I know that I want to be in the classroom more than just being online, and I'm hopeful to get a summer internship opportunity that's in person rather than being online, too. I look forward to having more social situations and daily conversations and interactions with classmates and peers."

Ken Cychosz, Tennis Head Coach

"Personally, I hope in 2021 we can spend more individual time together in person. It will be fun to participate in competition again and re-engage in more in-person recruiting.

"I'm excited to see how this talented new group of tennis players finish competition in the MIAC. Then, with the addition of other talent signed, how we make the transition into the Summit League. The challenge is very exciting for players and coaches alike."

Phil Esten, Vice President and Director of Athletics

"I expect 2021 to be a year of great transition for us, hopefully starting with a return to more normalcy in our routines while getting a handle on Covid. I do think there were valuable lessons that came out of 2020, as we learned to adapt and to find a comfort level in all the uncertainty we faced.

"The pandemic also provided us the benefit of perspective. Instead of dwelling on opportunities that were lost, we are reminded to appreciate all that we are blessed to have. I realized how I had taken some of the simple things for granted: going to a movie; enjoying dinner out with family; to simply just walk across campus to see a colleague or meet friends or alumni for coffee; or holding face-to-face meetings. I look forward to once again experiencing some of these 'little things.'

"The adjustments and sacrifices for Covid gave us a deeper appreciation of our ultimate mission here in a university setting: to help our student-athletes develop into more thoughtful, competent and contributing members in their families, careers, and communities."

"St. Thomas athletics sits in a unique place as we transition over the coming months from Division III into Division I. We certainly don't want to wish away our last year competing in the MIAC, but we can also look forward to opportunities to forge new friendships and rivalries through our new conferences starting next fall. It will be exciting to bring our first full group of Division I student-athletes to campus. Our transition to Division I won't be measured simply with one season or one academic year, as it promises to be a multi-year journey with many chapters. I'm excited to uncover the new challenges and opportunities we'll face and to integrate them into the fabric of Tommie Athletics."

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Gene's Blog is a sports column penned by UST sports information director Gene McGivern. Gene is in his 27th season at St. Thomas and 33rd overall in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He blogs periodically on various topics regarding the Tommies, the MIAC and Division I and III sports.

If you have comments or questions, e-mail Gene at ejmcgivern@stthomas.edu

University of St. Thomas Athletics

Gene's Blog: Score update for 2021: Optimism 1, Pessimism 0

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