Colorado State University Athletics
Medved's Musings - Vol. 2 - The Current "Normal"
4/14/2020 1:57:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Dear Ram Nation:
It's hard to believe we are already a month into a new normal: online classes, social distancing, and our Rams basketball players at their respective homes in the U.S. and abroad (Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, Lithuania and New Zealand). Although the geographic distance may be great, we have stayed connected, as a team, daily.
As part of our team's focus, we have embraced the idea of creating personal routines- much like we would have on campus. The guys have worked hard at their academic responsibilities, and I'm pleased to say that they have continued their success from the fall semester. Working with our talented academic and support staff, our players have been taking advantage of the resources that Colorado State University provides to stay on track. Our seniors Nico Carvacho, Kris Martin, and Hyron Edwards are on schedule to graduate in May. I am very proud of how they've balanced the responsibilities of being student-athletes, and I am even more proud of how they have grown as tremendous young men with bright futures ahead of them.
Like many others, video conferencing has been a lifeline for our team during this time. You can count on Coach Thorson to bring the school spirit with a Moby Madness background, and an occasional video bomb by one of the Farokhmanesh kids or Aaron Katsuma's dogs. There is no doubt that this situation is difficult – as everyone knows, some days are easier than others. As coaches, we are out of town frequently, but the quarantine has provided a great opportunity to spend quality time with family. It has been great to hear our own players talk about their gratitude in spending more time with their families and loved ones as well.
My family and I are doing well and are so thankful for all of our blessings. As a side note, for whatever reason, I decided that I would hold off shaving until this was over. Truthfully when it started, I had no way of knowing that the lockdown would be extended until the end of April (at least). Our oldest, Aly, has described my beard as 'spikes'. Despite all the time together, my beard and uncut hair, my wife Erica is still talking to me. ☺ In all seriousness, she and I are grateful for all those working hard so that we and our loved ones can stay safe at home (healthcare workers to police and fire departments to the grocery workers, trucking and supply chain workers, and many more). I'm proud to report that our youngest daughter, Taylor, is saying 'dada' every chance she gets. Our German Shepherd, Blitz, loves the extra walks, although I think he wants to kick us all out of the house so he can nap in peace.
Normally, during the spring, we are able to work with our team through individual skill development as well as strength and conditioning programs. Much like the rest of us, our guys have encountered obstacles and have not had access to gyms or weight rooms. Major kudos to our strength and conditioning coach, Jason Phillips, for his creativity in working with our players to develop personalized, at-home workout routines. It's been interesting to hear their stories of resourcefulness to find outdoor baskets to shoot at – although many parks have taken down the rims. Some have assembled weight benches in their garage and used nearby hills to continue their conditioning. I am still trying to track down a set of dumbbells, but have certainly enjoyed getting outside for exercise. I have been impressed with the voluntary efforts our players are exhibiting.
Again, I want to thank all of you for your stalwart support of our program. Our entire staff sends our thoughts and healthy wishes to you and your families. Our program is working hard to embrace this way of living, and I encourage you to do so as well as we fight on through this unprecedented time.
I am confident that just as our players and staff have taken on the challenges before them, the results will be exciting and wonderful. I am confident that, in time, we will all celebrate again in Moby Arena, as a TEAM TOGETHER. GO RAMS!
It's hard to believe we are already a month into a new normal: online classes, social distancing, and our Rams basketball players at their respective homes in the U.S. and abroad (Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, Lithuania and New Zealand). Although the geographic distance may be great, we have stayed connected, as a team, daily.
As part of our team's focus, we have embraced the idea of creating personal routines- much like we would have on campus. The guys have worked hard at their academic responsibilities, and I'm pleased to say that they have continued their success from the fall semester. Working with our talented academic and support staff, our players have been taking advantage of the resources that Colorado State University provides to stay on track. Our seniors Nico Carvacho, Kris Martin, and Hyron Edwards are on schedule to graduate in May. I am very proud of how they've balanced the responsibilities of being student-athletes, and I am even more proud of how they have grown as tremendous young men with bright futures ahead of them.
Like many others, video conferencing has been a lifeline for our team during this time. You can count on Coach Thorson to bring the school spirit with a Moby Madness background, and an occasional video bomb by one of the Farokhmanesh kids or Aaron Katsuma's dogs. There is no doubt that this situation is difficult – as everyone knows, some days are easier than others. As coaches, we are out of town frequently, but the quarantine has provided a great opportunity to spend quality time with family. It has been great to hear our own players talk about their gratitude in spending more time with their families and loved ones as well.
My family and I are doing well and are so thankful for all of our blessings. As a side note, for whatever reason, I decided that I would hold off shaving until this was over. Truthfully when it started, I had no way of knowing that the lockdown would be extended until the end of April (at least). Our oldest, Aly, has described my beard as 'spikes'. Despite all the time together, my beard and uncut hair, my wife Erica is still talking to me. ☺ In all seriousness, she and I are grateful for all those working hard so that we and our loved ones can stay safe at home (healthcare workers to police and fire departments to the grocery workers, trucking and supply chain workers, and many more). I'm proud to report that our youngest daughter, Taylor, is saying 'dada' every chance she gets. Our German Shepherd, Blitz, loves the extra walks, although I think he wants to kick us all out of the house so he can nap in peace.
Normally, during the spring, we are able to work with our team through individual skill development as well as strength and conditioning programs. Much like the rest of us, our guys have encountered obstacles and have not had access to gyms or weight rooms. Major kudos to our strength and conditioning coach, Jason Phillips, for his creativity in working with our players to develop personalized, at-home workout routines. It's been interesting to hear their stories of resourcefulness to find outdoor baskets to shoot at – although many parks have taken down the rims. Some have assembled weight benches in their garage and used nearby hills to continue their conditioning. I am still trying to track down a set of dumbbells, but have certainly enjoyed getting outside for exercise. I have been impressed with the voluntary efforts our players are exhibiting.
Again, I want to thank all of you for your stalwart support of our program. Our entire staff sends our thoughts and healthy wishes to you and your families. Our program is working hard to embrace this way of living, and I encourage you to do so as well as we fight on through this unprecedented time.
I am confident that just as our players and staff have taken on the challenges before them, the results will be exciting and wonderful. I am confident that, in time, we will all celebrate again in Moby Arena, as a TEAM TOGETHER. GO RAMS!
Players Mentioned
Friday, June 05
Saturday, March 07
Saturday, March 07
Friday, March 06