Rider AD Harnum pens letter to athletic community

Rider University athletic director Don Harnum penned a letter to the school’s athletic community in respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the letter, Harnum explains the decision to cancel both the remainder of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament and the spring sports calendar.

“These are unprecedented times for collegiate athletics, but I am confident these decisions were made with painstaking thought and care,” Harnum wrote. “The health and safety of every student-athlete remains a top priority and we must rely on guidance from local, state and federal government officials and agencies, as well as the NCAA and MAAC, as we navigate this everchanging national health crisis.”

Harnum, like many, were devastated for the senior players who don’t get to complete their seasons.

Women’s basketball star Stella Johnson’s career ended with 2,167 points, which was 52 away from matching Darrick Suber’s all-time school record. Stella almost certainly would have broken that record had the postseason not been canceled.

Senior men’s player Stevie Jordan needed two assists to move atop that category and one more steal to be alone in first in that one. Jordan finished his career 14th in points (1,444), second in assists (597) and tied for first in steals (188).

This was also the end of the road for the baseball, softball and track & field teams.

“To have seasons and tournaments cut short is incredibly heartbreaking, particularly for the student-athletes who have gone through years of strenuous preparations to reach this level of competition,” Harnum said. “The impact is even more significantly felt by our seniors who have had their seasons, and in some cases their athletic careers, ended abruptly.

“It is my hope that as a community of resilient Broncs we can come together to support one another during these uncertain times. I anxiously await returning to competition as much as you do. Until then, be well, stay safe and as always, Go Broncs!”