Happy Sunday morning, everyone.
I love Sunday. Growing up in central Illinois, I loved Sunday morning cartoons, either before, or after, being roused by my parents for Catholic Mass at 8:30am (torturous) or 10:00am (the equivalent of a celebrity "see and be seen" event for all the cool kids in town).
Afterwards, we'd either get breakfast somewhere in town or, more often, be whisked away to a day of playing little league baseball games at the local American Legion. During the fall and winter, it wasn't unusual at Mass to see children, (as well as grown women and men) attending in their Sunday best - the football jersey of their favorite team. Most of the time these were Chicago Bears jerseys, but occasionally you saw a Packers fan mixed in. They must have been there for reconciliation.
I think a lot of us are missing sports these days.
So, keeping with the weekend guest spots, I thought I'd showcase our Athletics department today. I caught up with newly minted Athletic Director, Will Sanborn, '86, this summer to get a sense of what's on deck (see what I did there?) this year.
Take it away, Coach Sanborn....
"Our theme - Building on our Championship Culture - recognizes the tradition that has been built over the 50 years of Saint Joseph's Athletics, but highlights the importance of continuing to build on that legacy.
- We have a sustaining commitment to our Athletes, even amidst a pandemic - and we recently released our reopening strategy, entitled, Game On.
- The entire SJC Coaching Staff is committed to providing a Meaningful Athletic Experience that will continue the development of our student-athletes by providing a challenging and competitive environment.
- We've hired some great new Staff:
- Brianna Johnston - Assistant Athletic Trainer - Bri joins us after working with our athletes last spring in a temporary position.
- Jameson Collins, '17 - our first ever Head Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jamie will greatly enhance the athletic development of our student-athletes.
- We've developed new initiatives:
- Our Leadership Academy will now be providing leadership modules that each team will participate in monthly over the course of the year.
- Outdoor Recreation will have a much greater, and more intentional emphasis for all of our students. We realize the power of our physical location, and we know it provides amazing 4-season opportunities for getting outside and exploring.
- Enhanced Intramural Programming for all of our students will also be a hallmark of our fall and spring seasons."
So, to all our Monks out there, those who compete as our student-athletes, those of us who cheer them on, and anyone who pursues their own fitness and wellness through intramurals, club sports, or by working out, we look forward to welcoming you back!
Have a great Sunday, everyone.
Matt
Matt Goodwin is the Dean of Students at Saint Joseph’s College.
Along with a team of picked-first-at-kickball Campus Life professionals in the areas of Student Engagement & Residential Living, Counseling Center, Health & Wellness Center, Campus Safety, and the Mercy Center, Campus Life supports students’ holistic personal development, learning, and empowerment in service to a global community.
