Join ORU Athletics every Friday in a weekly series featuring interviews with coaches and staff members.
10 Questions with Joe Dial, Head Track and Field Coach at Oral Roberts University:
- How are you and your wife, Shawna, adapting to life at home?
ORU Track and Field was gearing up to host our home outdoor meet when the season came to an abrupt halt. It was certainly strange to go from being extremely busy with our travel schedule, to adjusting to "safer at home" guidelines. But, at the same time, we love spending the extra time with our family!
- What are you doing to keep yourselves busy?
We have done some "spring cleaning" and taking care of things that we have put on the back burner due to our normally busy schedules! We have been walking our dog, Diesel, a lot more than usual as well. He is getting in good shape!
- During this "stay at home" period we're in, how are you communicating with your staff and student-athletes?
Our team has been utilizing Group Me for the last couple of years already, so that was an easy way to stay in constant communication with them. A lot of texting and messaging goes on as well.
- How challenging is it to communicate with so many international athletes during this time?
It's not difficult communicating with the athletes because of social media. Thankfully, our current international athletes have all found safe haven here in the United States during the shutdown. However, some international student-athletes that we have considered for future Golden Eagles are facing extremely difficult situations. Many of their families are completely out of work and just looking to feed their families. Paying for SAT exams, NCAA Eligibility Center fees and future air transportation are completely out of the question for them when the issue of hunger is larger than the threat of COVID-19.
- The NCAA has limited the recruiting rules during this time. What are the biggest challenges you're facing while recruiting from home?
The biggest challenge has been not being able to bring kids in on official visits. ORU has a lot to offer. When the recruits can't see that in person, it presents a challenge.
- What can your field athletes do to train during this time?
Basically, they are working on conditioning, which is mainly switching to off-season style training instead of faster paced in-season style training. The lack of access to any facilities has caused training to drastically change.
- How will next year's team look with seniors having the chance to return for another year of eligibility?
We have always had the attitude that we can adapt to any challenge that we are presented with. Some seniors will return, but others will move on with future plans. But, we think our team always looks great!!
- The outdoor season was just underway when things were shut down. How difficult was that for your athletes?
The team was really looking forward to outdoor season. We had some great meets lined up, including our home meet at ORU. No outdoor season was a hard thing for everyone to accept, but our kids are a great group of kids and are keeping a positive outlook.
- The 2020 Olympics has been postponed a year. How disappointing is that for the track and field community?
This is very disappointing. Just because an athlete is at the top their game in 2020, does not guarantee they will be at the top in 2021. Athletes prepare for four years for this competition. Adding another year, changes everything!
- What message do you have to lift up your athletes during this difficult time?
The message to our team has always and still is one of toughness and realizing that our main strength comes from being a Christian. Because of our relationship with Christ, we have a different understanding of purpose. We realize that there is a much bigger picture than just that of competing in track and field. We know that God will see each one of us through.
10 Questions with....
March 27, 2020 – Mike Carter
April 3, 2020 – Ryan Bush
April 10, 2020 – Mark Milner
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