Like the rest of the Binghamton student-athletes, redshirt sophomore back Carter Beaulieu has had to deal with adjusting the past five months. He finished out the 2020 spring semester 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 Beaulieu 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.
1. What were your thoughts when the fall season was postponed?
When the season was postponed, I was bummed as I would have loved to have competed this fall. I understand and respect the decision that Binghamton University made as they have a commitment to each student to ensure their safety and well-being. Whenever we are able to play again, our team will be ready.
2. How did you go about things during the spring semester after classes went online?
When classes went online, the transition went relatively smooth thanks to the efforts made by the faculty and the university.
3. How much have you and your teammates stay close since the pandemic began in March?
My teammates and I have stayed in touch during the pandemic by talking every day through many social media apps and text messages. Obviously, we would have loved to be together in person but we have made the most of the situation we were dealt.
4. How supportive have Coach Marco and Coach Moon been during the past several months?
Coach Marco and Coach Moon have both been incredibly supportive during this time, reaching out to us to make sure we were okay in these strange times and new normal. They have made sure we are up to date with everything going on with the team and the university.
5. How close have you become with your family these past several months?
My family and I have always been close and we will continue to be no matter what because they are my biggest supporters and I would not be where I am without them.
6. Before the spring season was canceled, how much progress did you see the team make?
Before the spring was canceled, our team was making tremendous progress and it was too bad that we were not able to test ourselves in the games. With that being said, I believe our players and coaches will pick up where they left off and will continue to progress as a team.
7. Have you done anything to reach out to the incoming freshmen?
It's important to reach out to the incoming freshmen to let them know the standards of our program and what they can expect. Over the past few months, I have been in contact with many of them.
8. Looking back to last fall, what were the keys to the team finishing the season on a strong note?
What made the difference in our team finishing last year strong was a collective belief that we have a chance to be great. Players found new confidence and we all bought into being the best we could possibly be.
