Nearly three years ago, two of our coaches started recruiting Fred and Jenny. These two were in high school and every week they were not only improving in the classroom, but also in their respective sports. They achieved their dreams, which was to attend Humboldt State University. Fred earned a partial athletic scholarship while Jenny received a very nice academic scholarship, both of which were created by generous donors.

They arrived in the fall of 2019. One of them was able to participate in their sport, while the other had fall drills in anticipation and preparation for the spring sport season. That season never came because of COVID. For the safety of all student-athletes, the spring 2020 season was canceled. Then the fall 2020 season was also canceled. Here we have two students, two athletes, and two people still new to the college experience trying to figure out how to learn, practice, stay healthy, and stay in shape.

In many respects, this was not too different from many people trying to “make do” during COVID. The subtle difference today is that former 18-year-old athletes are now 20 years old. Their mind and their body have changed. In some respects, they are bigger and stronger, and maybe faster. But in the field of competition, they are still new students — rookies to their collegiate sport because there has been no or little competition.

What makes this a positive story is these students learned to thrive in the classroom, they did stay healthy, and they did meet and learn from other people. They are still in college and now actively engaged in their sport. This is one of the many reasons it has been so exciting to see Lumberjack athletes back in competition this fall. Like athletes throughout our community and around the country, they spent many months in a holding pattern, unable to fully participate in an activity that they are passionate about and that is incredibly fun and healthy for them.

But we are getting past that now, and the deep commitment of our Lumberjack athletes is clearer than ever. Over the last year, they kept up with the workouts and the practices, and they kept up with academics and with community service.

On the field …

• Just recently, an impressive crowd braved the rain to cheer on the men’s and women’s cross country teams, which posted a strong showing at the local Jim Hunt Invitational at Baywood Golf & Country Club. They finished second overall with some first-place individual finishes, and this weekend they are competing in Oregon.
• Volleyball is also making a strong showing this year, and this Saturday you can see them in action against CSU Monterey Bay. Softball and men’s rugby starts competition this weekend, and is also playing on Saturday.
• Meanwhile, our men’s and women’s soccer teams have also seen strong support from large outdoor crowds at their home matches. The men are off to an amazing 6-0 start and are ranked 13th nationally. The women are also extremely talented, aggressive in their play, and fun to watch.

Off the field, our student-athletes continue to be impressive. There’s a reason that you’re more likely to hear about classroom performance and community service than game statistics. It is clear that Cooper Jones, now in his second month as executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreational Sports, as well as all of the head coaches, strongly believe in academic success, community service, and team leadership and support.

Among the many points of pride for our Lumberjack student-athletes …

• Fully 91 of our student-athletes were named to the 2020-21 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Academic Team. That’s nearly half of our athletes earning a 3.4 GPA or higher during the last academic year.
• Our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently took the lead in joining the “Dam Worth It Class” of 2021. They will join Oregon State University and the University of Kentucky in working to end the stigma surrounding mental health.
• Last year our student-athletes took the lead in creating the Social Equity & Accountability (SEA) Committee. The group works to create an environment that is welcoming and supportive of diverse identities, as well as one that reflects the diversity of HSU and the community. This group was also instrumental in getting a new scholarship created.
• Our athletics teams are regularly national leaders in providing community service, most recently ranking 21st nationally among Division II schools for their commitment, giving more than 4,500 hours in a year. The women’s soccer team was the top women’s team during that time, while one recent example is the men’s soccer team, which gave time helping prepare the soccer fields for the Mad River Youth Soccer League.

Athletics is more than students competing on the field of play. At the collegiate level it is about leadership, mental health and well-being, supporting each other as young adults, learning one’s future profession, learning to care for one’s mind and body, staying connected to friends and family, volunteering in the community and learning to be a strong citizen within that community, and being visible as a role model to others. Student-athletes often manage their time extremely well and graduate. And, I am proud to say, nearly all of our student-athletes and coaches are vaccinated!

Fall season is now happening, winter season is about to start, and spring season is right around the corner. As your time permits, please join the families, friends, and supporters and attend one of these events. And when you do, proudly wear your green and gold. Go Jacks, vaccinate, and be well!

Dr. Tom Jackson Jr. is the president of Humboldt State University.