Despite the pandemic closing Milligan College’s campus, clubs and activities have managed to adapt to this new reality. Two new clubs are facing the challenge of preparing for their first semester with an uncertain future.
In December 2019, vice president for athletics and student development, Mark Fox, announced the addition of a drumline for the fall 2020 semester, and one month later, the addition of a disc golf team was also announced. Both activities are still planning to occur this fall.
The official director of the disc golf team, Timothy Barr, commented on how the situation has hindered the team.
“The closing of local high schools has definitely hampered our local recruiting,” Barr said. “Also, we have been unable to meet together to practice and have been staying in touch via electronic means.”
There have, of course, been some silver linings. The team now has two official members and a high school student is in line to sign with Milligan. Zach Bivens, a transfer student from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, was the first student to sign with the new program. Since then, Stephen Lutz has also signed and Timothy Lutz will join this May.
Barr also comments that since the team has not yet officially started, a guideline on what to do for the team has not yet been established. The team plans on competing in local and regional tournaments, hopefully moving onto the finals for disc golf next year.
“Anyone who has an interest in frisbee type sports such as Disc Golf or Ultimate ,” said Barr. “Regardless of skill level, we would love to see as many students as possible join our activity club.”
The new drumline has also been put in a unique situation. Dave Whaley, drumline director for Milligan, comments about their position.
“The drumline has been unable to have any official meetings, yet,” said Whaley. “My primary job this semester was to visit schools and recruit new students to be a part of our program. Since the shutdowns began, I have been connecting with hopeful students through all forms of technology.”
The drumline itself will be an ensemble to cheer on events. Wonderful Wednesday and Homecoming are some of the venues they will perform at. The drumline will also have the opportunity to compete against other schools.
With plans to begin this fall, the team has already signed its first member, Topher Emerine. Emerine will arrive at Milligan bringing in experience from the Tennessee High School marching band.
When it comes to prospective team members, Whaley has one thing to say, “We would love to have any students with an instrumental music background to audition to be a part of the line,” Whaley stated. “There will be private lesson opportunities available to assist students in developing the necessary skills needed to become an active member.”