Even though spring sports have been canceled for the remainder of the semester due to spread of the coronavirus, Sweeney Field is still getting plenty of use. People from the community surrounding St. Joe’s have flocked to the outdoor track, turf field and tennis courts.
Wynetta Davis and Tara Webb are from the Overbrook area and were taking a walk around the track on a warm sunny afternoon on March 18 in order to rid themselves of stress and to get exercise while off of work.
“We needed this,” Webb said. “Just to get out and get some air. Put your mind on something else and get your endorphins running.”
Webb thinks it is important for people to remain active any way they can.
“Even if it is just walking around the block,” Webb said. “Doing something. Even if it is in the house. It is better than nothing.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that gatherings of 50 people or more should not be held in the next two months. The CDC also recommended people practice social distancing, or keep at least six feet of space between themselves.
“You have to pay attention to the rules,” Webb said. “We are keeping our social distance and we aren’t in contact with other people. I’m not touching any railings.”
Max Smyth is a junior quarterback at Monmouth University. He is from Riverton, New Jersey and meets with his teammates at Sweeney Field to practice.
“It is just a local spot that I can come out to and get some work in with my teammates,” Smyth said. “It is open to everyone and that is the great thing about the university. They allow us to come out here whenever. Especially during a time like this.”
Monmouth University has moved their classes online until April 10. The football team was forced to cancel official spring practice as well.
Smyth said there was no worry for him about coming out to Sweeney Field to practice with five of his teammates.
“None at all,” Smyth said. “I’m young as it is. Maybe if for the elderly it could be a worry but I am young so I don’t really think about it like that.”
Davis is hopeful that St. Joe’s won’t have to close the track in the future.
“Hopefully this doesn’t stop,” Davis said. “I’ve enjoyed this. It is an open area, so as long as there aren’t like 100 people out here, we should be OK.”
