Like the rest of the Binghamton student-athletes, senior forward Jack Muller has had to deal with adjusting the past five months. He finished out his junior year online once Binghamton University shut down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, it was announced that the fall sports season was postponed. We caught up with Muller who reflected on how the team has gotten closer during the past five months and his looking ahead to when they are able to get back on the field.

What were your thoughts when the fall season was postponed?

When I first heard the news regarding fall sports being postponed, I was obviously very bummed. As athletes and competitors, we are always wanting to compete at the highest level, at all times. However, I cannot speak for the rest of my teammates, but I completely understand, respect and back the decision. Public health and the well-being of the community is priority number one. The season being postponed, however, gives the team a long preseason. I think this fall semester will be a great opportunity to get fit, get the incoming guys comfortable, and ultimately have our chemistry on and off the field thriving.

How did you go about things during the spring semester after classes went online?

After classes went online, it was initially very different. For me, I had to use my planner and calendar more often. I was constantly adding and checking off assignments. My academic advisor, Will, and I talked and found out that would be best for me to ensure I was staying on top of all my assignments.

How much have you and your teammates stay close since the pandemic began in March?

The team has stayed very close throughout this pandemic. Guys are constantly texting, calling and snapchatting, individually or in our multiple group chats. I know for me, I have talked to Chris Stamper and Noah almost every single day since leaving each other in March.

How supportive have Coach Marco and Coach Moon been during the past several months?
The coaching staff has been awesome throughout these crazy times. We have had a magnitude of different zoom calls, both informative and just to catch up. They are not shy to reach out just to check in on how you and your family is doing, which definitely means a lot to myself and the guys. They encourage us to reach out to them and our teammates whenever, to catch up or with any concerns. Coach Marco and Moon have very much an "open-door" policy, in regards to coming to talk to them.

How close have you become with your family these past several months?

Too close! I kid, it has been super nice to be around my family for an extended time. It has been awhile since the whole family has been able to get together and we have been blessed to be able to do that few times these past few months. Having spent some summers in New York recently, it has been nice to spend a summer in Maryland with my whole family around.

Before the spring season was canceled, how much progress did you see the team make?

Last spring prior to the cancelation, the team was soaring. The coaching staff had us in a great spot. Our fitness was great, but team morale was even better. The brotherhood and "all-in" mentality of the group was unmatched. It was an absolute joy to be a part of. The beauty is, this fall we are in similar circumstances to the off-season. I truly believe we will be right there again with this great group of guys!

Have you done anything to reach out to the incoming freshmen?
We, as a group, have been in touch with the freshmen. We have added their social media and have added them to our group chats. A lot of the Virginia guys have been doing a great job of including some incoming freshmen in their local workouts.

Looking back to last fall, what were the keys to the team finishing the season on a strong note?

Last fall we finished really strong, I think in large part due to people buying in. We, as a team, bought into a mentality that we have to do whatever we can to get a result. Bought into the game plan each game as it put us in the best position to win. We began to trust the guy next to us, trusting our teammates to make the plays, make the right decision, to be in the right spot.

In looking ahead to the spring - should the season resume -- what is the mindset of the team?

Win at all costs. We are too talented to not be getting the results to show for it. We are too close as a team to not be battling for the guy next to us. As a team, we are ready to win. Ready to show all the hard work, all the blood and sweat we are going to put in this fall.