A Letter from Bruce Rasmussen to Creighton Donors, Supporters & Fans
3/18/2020 10:30:00 AM | Creighton Athletics, Ath. Development
McCormick Endowed Athletic Director has a message
A MESSAGE FROM McCORMICK ENDOWED ATHLETIC DIRECTOR BRUCE RASMUSSEN TO CREIGHTON DONORS, SUPPORTERS & FANS:
On Sunday, March 15, 2020 I sent the following memo to our coaches and staff and asked them to share with their students who are athletes:
"The difficult decision to cancel all spring sports and a number of championships, including men's and women's basketball, was made in response to an unprecedented health crisis of the accelerating spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In times like these, all of us are called to do what we can to help slow the spread of this virus. People across the US are now marshalling forces in a comprehensive, coordinated, and collective approach to overcome this public health challenge. We are asked to do our part.
But such a call, as important as it is, does not come without pain, especially for our senior students who are athletes. And it certainly does not come without a sense of deep sacrifice. I know all of you have worked with great passion, intelligence and character to achieve excellence in your sport or area.
· Each day we ask our students who are athletes to lead--to be an example for their teammates and all those who cheer them on, and to give hope to those who aspire to be like them one day.
· As coaches, you invest your heart, soul, and mind in the success of your student-athletes. You teach your students…and they teach you…what it means to be a member of a team…a family…and in doing so to be a part of something greater than self.
· As staff members, you toil in support of your teams, not in the spotlight, but your faithfulness, dedication and loyalty are critical to our striving for excellence.
· As fans who go beyond your jobs and families to make a commitment to us, which allows us to pursue our dreams.
In an extremely critical way, you are being called to lead again. You are asked to sacrifice to serve a greater good -- the public health of our campus, community and country. And while it is undeniably the right thing to do, it also comes with a great deal of pain and loss. And those feelings should not be neglected in this moment, either. It is inconceivable to think about these lost opportunities for you and not only for our students who are athletes, but also for those across the country. However, there are more important things. And, certainly, there are other ways we lead and other ways we express a champion's spirit. This is such a moment.
We always have believed that college athletics is an example of good in our world. One of the incredible values of athletics is the discovery that the inconceivable can be conceived and then achieved. We can do so much more individually and as a member of a team than we thought we could. This is also true outside of athletics. And is true not only for individuals, but for families, businesses and communities. In ordinary times, our students who are athletes inspire with their achievements in competition, in the classroom, and in communities. These are not ordinary times. We are now being asked to do more…to be more… by accepting some of these very difficult decisions and accepting them with grace. This does not remove the disappointments each of us are feeling and does not make the moment easier or less painful. Each of us has an opportunity to continue to lead in a very different way. This is not only living the Creighton mission, this is living the Christian mission."
I feel compelled to expand on the fourth bullet point above and communicate more specifically with a most critical part of our family—our fans, donors and supporters. The compassion, patience, determination, and commitment of each of you has been inspiring to our entire athletics department during these unprecedented times. As we move forward, please know that we remain dedicated to providing opportunities for our students who are athletes in academics, athletics, a commitment to others and our purpose of creating leaders in their families, businesses and communities.
The widespread cancellation of NCAA and BIG EAST athletic competition is heartbreaking to us all. A strong sense of purpose is key in times of adversity. And while we are facing unbelievable local, national and global challenges, your support and examples of humility, gratitude and empathy will help move us forward. We thank you so much for all of your support.
