UNFINISHED BUSINESS
SUMMER 2020
Although the season was cancelled, the NCAA granted an additional year of eligibility for all players affected by the season’s abrupt end.
‘I’m very thankful’
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
‘Building on the culture of Winthrop baseball’
Joe McNamara
Joe McNamara, a senior business administration major and an infielder on the team, admitted that ending his senior season on such a disappointing note was difficult, but he’s grateful to get to play the sport he loves an additional year.
“I’m very thankful the NCAA is allowing a redshirt year so we don’t miss out on our senior season. I am excited to be able to come back to Winthrop next year and get to play another season with my teammates and coaches and win a championship,” said the Elk Grove, California, native. “I think this pandemic will help our team next year because we know not to take any practice or game for granted.”
The crack of the bat, the smell of popcorn and hotdogs, the crowds singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” … most everything surrounding America’s favorite pastime ceased during the COVID-19 pandemic. All NCAA Division 1 spring sports, including baseball, were cancelled.
The Winthrop baseball team was off to an 11-4 record, the program’s best start in Tom Riginos’ 10-year tenure, and was beginning its Big South Conference schedule when the head coach had to
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deliver the devastating end-of-season news to the team.
“It was one of the most difficult team meetings I have ever had. The entire team was disappointed, but we knew in the big picture this was the correct decision for the safety of our organization, Winthrop and the country,” said Riginos. “I felt very good about where this team was headed, and I had a very good sense of how this team was coming together.”
One of six seniors on the team, Jason Crumley, an exercise science major from Travelers Rest and a pitcher, echoed his teammate’s gratefulness. “I am choosing the extra year of eligibility to complete some prerequisites that I need to get into a grad- uate program. I also would like another chance to finish what we started and have an opportunity to play for a conference championship and make it to a regional. It means a lot to come back and have one last year playing collegiate baseball and spending time with friends made over the past four years,” said Crumley, who was named to the 2020 Big South All-Academic Team.
Riginos is excited about having the team back and building on its success. “I would like to acknowledge the great work of Winthrop, our Interim President George Hynd and our Athletic Director Ken Halpin for honoring our seniors’ scholarships. There are many schools that are not honoring the scholarships of the returning seniors, and I appreciate that and I know the student-athletes do as well,” said Riginos. “To have the six young men returning for another year, it gives them an opportunity to keep contributing and building on the culture of Winthrop baseball. It gives them another year to compete on the Division I level and to represent Winthrop.”
In the meantime, Riginos is keeping the team focused on the season ahead instead of looking back.
“What I have emphasized to the team during this time of COVID-19 is that this is a great time to take responsibility for their own development and not solely rely on the coaches. During this time of uncertainty I want the players to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, organized and creative. It’s the best way we can all stay focused on the job ahead.”
Jason Crumley
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