Dear Student-Athletes,
 
First and foremost, you are in my daily prayers. As you know, our nation is going through extraordinary times where many have experienced tremendous loss and disappointments.
 
I was deeply saddened to learn of the cancellation of both winter post-season and spring sports programs. Further, your flexibility to move to online courses has been an inspiration to both myself and your coaches. Simply put, you are Spartan Strong!
 
As we all fight to end this dreadful virus, I want to encourage you that we will overcome it. It is important that you take this pandemic seriously and maintain what our government has outlined as preventative measures. All of us have already endured anxiety, stress, change and some even worse, but this will pass, and we will be a stronger people.
 
Now is the time to stay close to your families, to draw close to the Lord, and to have hope. Take time daily to contact your friends, encourage them and lighten their spirits.
 
We are here for you. While there are a lot of things out of our control right now, we can control how we fight and come together as one University. For those of you who have finished your athletic career, thank you. Thank you for your dedication and representation of our great University. For the rest, you must persevere. Be sure to maintain a strong and positive attitude while finishing this academic year!
 
It is vital you stay connected and in touch. We want to assist student-athletes during the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, we have aligned with other University departments to collaborate as a critical response team. Should you need technology assistance, course help, spiritual and mental encouragement, please do not hesitate to contact me, a faculty or staff member, or University administrator.
 
In the meantime, place your hope in our Lord Jesus, for in Him, we can find peace, comfort, and security.
 
Grace and Peace,
 
Dr. Smith
 
Thomas M. Smith, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President & Director of Athletics
Professor of Education and Health & Sport Sciences
Missouri Baptist University
Tom.Smith@mobap.edu