‘Crushed’: How local college athletes are reacting to the coronavirus cancellations
"Some things are beyond our control."
When the NCAA canceled winter and spring championships and individual college conferences began to announce the cancellation of spring seasons, affected athletes and coaches took to social media to react.
After capturing the Patriot League title, Boston University’s men’s basketball team had earned an automatic bid to March Madness, its first tournament appearance since 2011. March Madness was canceled with all other NCAA winter and spring championships on Thursday.
“Even though we can’t go dancing, I’m forever grateful for this moment I got to share with my brothers,” junior Javante McCoy wrote on Twitter.
Childhood dream came true!!!! Even though we can’t go dancing, I’m forever grateful for this moment I got to share with my brothers. CHAMPIONS🏆💯 #marchmadness2020 #AllGod #dancingatdacrib pic.twitter.com/1cj1nNlrc4
— J〽️ (@javantemccoy13) March 12, 2020
Senior Max Mahoney, who led the Terriers with an average of 15.5 points per game while starting each of the team’s 34 contests, also shared his thoughts on social media.
“I’m proud of all we accomplished this year,” Mahoney wrote. “So proud we brought a title to Boston U, but crushed we can’t take the next step to play in the tourney. Wishing everyone good health, and wishing recovery for those already affected.”
https://twitter.com/mahoney_51/status/1238213965727109121
Northeastern’s women’s hockey team was seeded third in the NCAA’s Women’s Hockey Championship and was set to host Princeton Saturday. The winner would have gone on to the Frozen Four, which was scheduled for next weekend at Agganis Arena.
Coach Dave Flint said in a tweet Friday that the cancellation “was tough to process.”
“My heart is broken for my players and especially the seniors,” Flint wrote.
https://twitter.com/NUCoachFlint/status/1238439180537147392
After the cancellation of the Hockey East and NCAA men’s hockey championships, Boston College senior defenseman Jesper Mattila shared the news on Twitter, then responded to a fan’s well-wishes.
“Some things are beyond our control,” wrote Mattila. “As heartbreaking as it is now – health first.”
Thank you for your kind words. Some things are beyond our control and as heartbreaking as it is now – health first. Stay safe and thank you again
— Jesper Mattila 🇺🇦 (@JesperMattila) March 13, 2020
Harvard junior Abbe Goldstein was on her way to the NCAA indoor track championships when she learned that Harvard administration unknowingly scratched her and a teammate from the meet Wednesday. As the situation escalated and the meet was canceled, she amended her original post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9moIErneJU/
“Still don’t agree with how it went down, still super bummed to not be able to compete this weekend,” Goldstein wrote. “There’s much bigger things going on than a track meet, and the NCAA has made the right decision.”
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