This Is Not A Drill
The Effects Of Covid-19 On Student Athletes
It's officially fall. As usual, the sun dips beyond the horizon a little earlier, temperatures fall closer to zero as days go by, and the leaves begin to transform from a uniform green to an array of warm hues only your eyes can do justice. However, this year something is missing: the familiar sounds of cheers as sport teams clash with one another in brilliant displays of athleticism. The screams and whistles have fallen silent as if the wrath of COVID-19 has robbed them of their voice. To Mark Prodanyk, a first-year business student, this Fall marks an abrupt change in his life. Not only is he beginning his career as a Thunderwolf at the Lakehead Thunder Bay campus, but it's also the first time in many years he, as a multi-sport athlete, hasn't been preparing for organized sports.
During my recent interview with Mark, he outlined what exactly sports mean to him, and how, in the face of a global pandemic, he has adjusted his lifestyle to remain sharp both physically and mentally as he copes with the drastic changes 2020 has brought about.
Growing up in the Thunder Bay community, Mark made it clear the amount of flexibility student-athletes need to remain active year-round. "The only sport you can play all year in Thunder Bay is hockey, and I'm not that guy." He explained his affinity for football, basketball, badminton, and his true passion for baseball; all of this suggests that Mark is, in fact, an excellent athlete. Upon learning this, I asked if he'd consider joining one of Lakehead's varsity teams: "I would have joined football or baseball, but we don't have either.'' In place of this, Mark would have participated in the intramural program. Unfortunately, like many other aspects of life affected by the pandemic, a decision about in-person intramural sports is still up in the air at Lakehead. These delays are leaving many interested and enthusiastic athletes on campus without a place to compete.
Like so many other Thunderwolves, Mark is combating this drastic change in lifestyle by joining a local gym to remain active. Along with direct effects on an individual's physical fitness, regular physical activity has been shown to have positive effects on one’s mental health. Staying active can be an effective method for reducing depression, anxiety, and stress as we navigate these uncertain times. For those looking for a place to start, I highly recommend the Healthy At Home Virtual Series, kindly curated by the team at thunderwolves.ca, located under Campus Rec-> Healthy At Home Virtual Series-> Fitness On-Demand Library. And for anyone brave enough to venture into a public fitness facility: be safe, remember to clean your equipment before and after each use, and wear a mask between sets!