MILTON, Mass. – Curry College Athletics celebrated NCAA Division III Week from April 13-19. What is usually a week filled with games, community service projects, and a festival highlighting inclusion across campus, this year's D-III week was much different. The week-long event is a celebration by member institutions and conferences of the division's unique philosophy that equally values academics, athletics, and student-athletes' involvement in full and rich campus life.
Once it became clear the students would not be returning to campus Curry College's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) got to work. Their previously scheduled activities were no longer an option, so through a series of Zoom meetings, the group decided to start a Social Distancing Fitness Club (SDFC). SAAC members would run, walk, or bike each day during the week with an initial goal of 200 miles. As coaches and staff began to get involved with video messages and mileage of their own, that goal was quickly surpassed. Each morning SAAC members were greeted by a new coach encouraging them to go out and stay active. By Sunday evening, a total of 613.7 miles were accumulated by all. A recap video can be watched here:
"The Social Distancing Fitness Club was a great way for the whole Curry athletic department to come together in a difficult time," said men's basketball senior Spencer Feng (Keene, N.H.) His sentiments were echoed by women's volleyball senior Shea Mathews (Concord, N.H.). "The SDFC was something that allowed me to find some light amongst all the darkness during this quarantine," Mathews said. "It pushed me to get out and stay active, as well as feel surrounded once again by all my teammates and fellow Colonels. I am extremely grateful to have gotten to be a part of such an exciting and meaningful club."
In addition to the Social Distancing Fitness Club, SAAC members shared videos and thank you messages to those on campus they felt made a lasting impact on their collegiate experiences. "It was a great example of student-athletes coming together to create an activity to help unite coaches, and student-athletes, I couldn't be prouder of how it all came together," said SAAC Coordinator and men's soccer head coach Pete Mendel.
SAAC is brainstorming another activity for NCAA Division III SAAC Mental Health Social Media Campaign, which will take place May 4-7.
Click HERE for a photo gallery of The Social Distancing Fitness Club.
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