University of Delaware Athletics
A Letter of Reflection
3/30/2020 12:00:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
Dear Blue Hen Family,Â
The past few weeks have been very stressful & challenging for many people. Following the rapid spread and serious danger of the COVID-19 virus, the University of Delaware, the CAA and the NCAA made the decision to cancel the reminder of the 2020 winter and spring seasons and championships.
The NCAA and CAA announcements to cancel the remainder of the season and our championships have affected all of our spring sports, not just our Blue Hen Lacrosse program. My heart goes out to all of the student-athletes and coaches who have been impacted by recent events. However, we understand that this is an issue that far surpasses college athletics and needs to be dealt with in the most serious manner. Events elsewhere and past experience serve to provide valuable perspective in this challenging time.
Throughout the days leading up to the final decisions, our department had multiple meetings with our leadership team. Our Athletic Director Chrissi Rawak fought hard for our opportunity to represent the University of Delaware and compete safely. Our administration led the way for all of us during a turbulent and unprecedented situation in a thoughtful and compassionate manner. Paramount to their guidance and decision-making was the health and safety of our student-athletes, our campus and our community.
The sudden end of the 2020 season was unexpected and difficult to process for us all. It was challenging to meet and speak to our team, sharing the uncertainty and unfortunate finality of the situation. Our coaching staff continues to work hard to navigate a fluid situation with courage, competence and compassion.
The final meeting with any team is never easy. It usually caps the conclusion of that particular group's yearlong journey. For some, it also marks the end of a competitive athletic career. However, more often than not, there is an anticipation that comes with that final step and serves to reinforce your strength as a season nears its conclusion.
This had some similarities but at the same time was very different. Emotional words were shared by all in our locker room. This meeting carried a unique pain with the sudden and unforeseen circumstances in addition to the stark realization that our journey was at an end. Emotions were shared and tears were shed as the realization of so much investment, hard work and a lifetime of hopes and dreams would not come to fruition.
True competition is intertwined with unpredictable and uncontrollable factors, and therefore is inherently challenging. Results are unknown and often painful, but these are key aspects of the shared commitment each of us makes for our team. We ask each member of our program to sacrifice of themselves and invest their hearts into the process without thought of reward, and without knowing what the end result may be. I believe these factors contribute to the excitement that is college athletics.
Sixteen years ago, I experienced a player sacrificing his life during competition on the field of play. George Boiardi embodied, among many other qualities, selflessness, courage and unconditional love. His spirit continues to live on in his family, friends, teammates and coaches.Â
Recently, I also Iearned about the sudden passing of one of the most influential people in my lacrosse career. Jim Case was an athletic trainer at Cornell University for 32 years and embodied, among many other things, compassion and loyalty. Jim was a pillar of the Cornell Lacrosse program for decades. His character shined through time and again, perhaps greatest on that day sixteen years ago, as he fought to save George. The positive impact he had is shared across generations of young men and women with whom he came in contact.
These experiences have provided me with invaluable perspective on our current situation. I have and will continue to share these memories and this perspective with the members of our program as we move forward.
We wish safety and good health to you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Ben DeLuca
Head Coach - University of Delaware Men's Lacrosse
