TAMUK Athletes React to COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lone Star Conference has decided to officially postpone all fall competition. 

Javelina football, basketball and volleyball will begin their seasons in Spring 2021. As the remaining athletes in cross country, golf and tennis will likely begin competing this fall. 

Lauren Kadilis, a returning setter for the women’s volleyball team remains hopeful for the months to come. 

“It is disappointing to not be allowed to do something that you have done your entire life,” Kadilis said. “It is never easy to hear that our team may never practice, let alone play again. We will take this time to connect and become stronger as one team, one family.”

As many athletes are left to deal with the unknown, several will continue to practice and compete at the collegiate level this fall. 

Katie Habib, a Corpus Christi native, will return to Javelina Nation and compete as a sophomore for the women’s golf team. As the Lone Star Conference has allowed golf to remain in season, Habib is very excited to get back in action. 

“The Conference has allowed golf to continue due to it being a low risk contact sport. As a team, we are excited to get the new year started,” Habib said. “If this golf season goes as planned, it will be very interesting. The only form of contact will happen as we exchange scorecards. There are going to be changes in sports for quite a while, but we will get through it as a team.” 

Athletic teams that were granted permission to compete this fall are grateful for the decision made by the LSC. 

Mikel Escobar, an athlete on the men’s cross country team, feels that COVID-19 may only affect the experience and not the conditioning. 

“As a cross country athlete, I believe many of us understand that our training may have to be done alone,” Escobar said. “I will continue to be mindful and cautious of my surroundings, but I am glad our season is up and running. Our team bonding may not seem so strong, as COVID-19 will affect the experience for new athletes.” 

All athletic teams will continue to persevere through these trying times and prepare for competition.