by David Thornton, Photographer
Adversity has hit the Northwestern football team this month, but the team’s coach sees a blessing in all of this.
Football at Northwestern is one of the many sports canceled this fall.
“While obviously disappointed, I know and understand the decision was made in consideration of the health and safety of our students,” head football coach Matt Walter said.
Notifying his team full of 140 players all in one meeting is just not a feasible task, Walter said. He opted to inform them via text instead.
“I did not want to wait and have them see the news first on social media, so the best way was to get in touch with them through group text.” Walter said.
With his players on campus, he is using this preseason as an opportunity to strengthen and condition his team.
Taking a big focus on his players, Walter said, being together and being able to visit with them is, “essential to their mental health right now.”
Ensuring his players are physically and mentally stable, considering all that has happened to these kids very recently and abruptly, it is important to ensure their mental health, Walter said.
Walter made it a point to focus on his team’s physical and mental well-being. Making sure everyone in his staff and team is ready.
Walter’s plan is to be adaptable this season. To be ready for changes at a moment’s notice. Hoping that the team will get the playing season they want soon.
Adversity and blessing; these were the words Walter used to describe his past month.
“Because we are all together in person,” Walter said. “This is a critical time for our young people’s mental health.”
Going on at length about how protecting and making sure his team has great mental health through all of the NCAA news and the coronavirus pandemic is a critical priority.