2021 Mountie Awards opening script

THIS YEAR......

Let not sugar coat it dealing with a global pandemic was challenging. New rules, restrictions and no competition were frustrating,

But I have found in times of adversity athletes are the ones who rise to the challenge. You're built for it.

But over the summer something else happened. In the silence of the world sheltered by a global pandemic. Your voices became louder, speaking up against racial injustice.

For example, Men's basketball's Richard Oppong. Richard helped coordinate a peaceful protest in his hometown in NYC early last summer.  He rallied a large number of people and used his voice to speak out.

Mansfield held a black lives matter unity march where we saw many of you unite and stand together telling the world that hate has no home here.

Throughout the month of October, the Sprint Football program partnered with the American Cancer Society and Dr. Kristen Long to learn about various forms of cancer and to raise awareness for cancer research. They were even awarded the Outstanding Collaboration Award at the Inaugural MU Student Leadership Awards.

You stared down a global pandemic, waking up a seven to shove a Q-tip up your nose to make sure everyone was safe.

 And many of you got the COVID shot to make us safer. Michael Grundon even helped administer those COVID shots to his fellow students.

You also never stopped working. From online classes and adapting to that, to the work you all put in on the field. Coach Greg Gustin deserves a lot of credit this year, still working with every team. For a lot of you early it being that one time that felt normal. That one time you were able to socialize again.

You did the work though,

In the fall we saw Field Hockey holding virtual practices with poor Robin Colby standing with a webcam to make sure you got a practice in.

I couldn't count the number of times I see Cross-country members running out on the side of the road…in Covington.

I think what you have done is incredible.

But you know what we also need to look at some of the new faces we welcomed to Mansfield.

In November, we welcomed Jamal Johnson to campus as our new Track and Field head coach. And what is kind of incredible about that is. That was right when the first semester ended and you didn't come back until February.

Coach Johnson had less then a month to meet the team and prepare them for competition. And look they had 11 PSAC Championship qualifiers, so I'd say he did a dang good job.

But you know it's kind of funny I've noticed a pattern with the coaches Mansfield has hired in my time here see if you can figure it out.

John Evans

John Szentesy

John Shaffer

Jamal JOHNson

"You forgot two!"

Okay yes… but they were

Greg… Johnathan…. Gustin.

And Andrew "John" Chalot.

"I..don't think those last two are correct." 

you don't know do you? it could be….probably not but it could be…

All I'm saying is there is a way to find positive moments everywhere.

Looking around you can find those moments.

But we were still heartbroken at this situation.

Filling ourselves with frustration.

But we turned that felling into motivation.

And combined that with determination.

To turn it all into inspiration.

So, no one doubts our dedication.

Cause we decide our reputation.

That soon again we'd feel elation.

And give us a reason for celebration.

…and then light.

Schedule releases, Media Days, Practices…. Light.

Bus trips, Mounties Midweek, Game Days… Light.

363 days without Mansfield Athletics competing in a game and the clock ran out.

And we were back with the first at Bat.

Brittan Shander sent it over the wall. And we were off.

From long balls to long halls we had something for all y'all.

We set the bar and we raised the bar.

Rylie Mong pole vaulted over the bar.

And Rob Robbins threw that bar really far All-American Style.

He set a new Mansfield Record with a throw of 70.42m.

On dirt and grass players the players shined through.

Breitigan, Shertzer, Osborne, Pizzo.

And Swartz, Farina and hearing hey Jo-Jo go Jo-Jo go.

Speaking of Go Let's talk Lowengart and Melko.

Both teammates going back and forth with Moon shot home runs.

Tying at 11 a piece when all said and done.

We had the strikeout machine in Hunter DePrimo.

83 in all Looking and swinging retired with each throw.

Track record boards lit up with new names appearing.

Tanner, Heeman, Tegann, Donoven, all leaving us cheering.

And then there was Sean Ringgold.

Out here try'na win gold.

The 200 delayed with lightning on day two.

When next day a champ wearing Mansfield ran through.

The Mounties shined bright bright reaching to the sun.

And we did it together One Team 2021.