KU athletic director Long writes letter to fans: ‘My heart breaks (for athletes)’
University of Kansas athletic director Jeff Long has e-mailed a letter to KU fans and Williams Club members, addressing “unprecedented times” taking place because of COVID-19 coronavirus concerns.
Long, whose athletic department has ground to a halt with no sports taking place during spring semester, noted in a letter to “Jayhawk Nation” that his “heart breaks for each of our student-athletes who had their seasons canceled, as well as our basketball teams that didn’t get a chance to make a postseason run, but know we will all get through this TOGETHER.”
Long also sent a letter addressed to Williams Fund members. In that letter he thanked donors for monetary support that led to KU being able to assist its student-athletes in what he titled: “Student-Athlete Coronavirus Assistance.”
He noted:
- “Providing support, mentally and emotionally, to cope with the unexpected cancellation of their seasons.
- “Worked to ensure access to food, housing and that other necessities remained available while the campus community closed.
- “Consistent and additional access to tutoring as they finish the semester strictly online.
- “Ongoing injury rehabilitation.
- “Constant updates and information from the coaches as well as each branch of the athletic department staff through various communication platforms.”
Long listed several highlights from the school year, with links to stories. Here is the text of Long’s letter to fans:
Jayhawk Nation,
As you know, we are in unprecedented times right now, certainly something very few of us ever thought we would experience. As we began the journey through uncharted territory late last week and the decision-making process that has followed, the main focus has been and will continue to be the safety and well being of our student-athletes.
While we move through this time cautiously and minimize our interactions through social distancing, and in some cases self-quarantine or self-isolation to help stop the spread of COVID-19, let’s reflect on something positive — the many great Jayhawk moments we’ve experienced this school year.
Believe me, I wish we could hear the ping of the bat at Hoglund or Arrocha, and how I’d like to be at Rock Chalk Park decked out in our Crimson and Blue to support Tennis or Track this spring, or swinging the clubs with Jayhawk Golf. My heart breaks for each of our student-athletes who had their seasons canceled, as well as our basketball teams that didn’t get a chance to make a postseason run, but know we will all get through this TOGETHER.
It’s moments like these where we can reflect on the opportunities afforded to us in this country, especially in the great State of Kansas. I’ve had some time, like many of you, to think about the accomplishments of our teams and student-athlete highlights, and thought I would share some of those with you. I hope this helps pass some time and brings a smile to your face!
• The opening of the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena
• The football team’s 48-24 victory on the road at Boston College
• Soccer winning their first-ever Big 12 Tournament Championship
• Men’s basketball win vs. Dayton in the Maui Invitational Championship Game
• Gleb Dudarev becoming the No. 5 performer in NCAA history, throwing 24.38m (80-00 ft.) in the men’s weight throw.
• Women’s basketball beating Texas for the first time since 2013
• Kansas swimming and diving closed out the Big 12 Championships with a program-record 831 points and a second-place finish
If you’re looking for more Jayhawk content, be sure to visit KUAthletics.com as well as follow our social media channels. Also, don’t forget about The Jayhawker Podcast where we will continue to tell stories in new and unique ways. If you’re looking to binge-watch past Jayhawk events, check out our website for a list of what is on and where you can find it.
Stay Healthy and Rock Chalk,
Jeff Long Director of Athletics
Here is the text of the letter to Williams Fund members:
Members of the Williams Education Fund,
On behalf of Kansas Athletics, I would like to simply say thank you. Thank you for your tremendous adaptability in a time of many unknowns. This is normally the time of year in which we all come together to celebrate our common pride in the Crimson and Blue. This year, that pride is showing itself in different, yet meaningful ways.
As the situation with the COVID-19 virus continues to rapidly change, I am extremely proud of the way campus leadership has continually kept the health, safety and well-being of our students, student-athletes, faculty and staff at the heart of many difficult decisions. And because of your generosity and support, Kansas Athletics has been able to provide much needed care and resources to our student-athletes in unique ways. You truly have made a difference in these unprecedented times.
Student-Athlete Coronavirus Assistance
• Providing support, mentally and emotionally, to cope with the unexpected cancellation of their seasons.
• Worked to ensure access to food, housing and that other necessities remained available while the campus community closed.
• Consistent and additional access to tutoring as they finish the semester strictly online.
• Ongoing injury rehabilitation.
• Constant updates and information from the coaches as well as each branch of the athletic department staff through various communication platforms.
If you have not already, please note you will be receiving a 2020 Williams Education Fund Membership Guide in the mail which coincides with our new membership drive that began March 1. This mailing was scheduled months ago and certainly prior to the rapid developments over the past few weeks. I want to be clear when I say we are sensitive to all that is happening around you, and we will be evaluating our normal deadlines to make necessary adjustments if needed. We will communicate any changes as timely as possible.
Please be aware that our Williams Education Fund staff is working remotely but will be available to service any of your needs. Please call the main number at 785.864.3946; leave a message and a staff member will return your call promptly. Otherwise, feel free to reach them on their mobile phones or email wef@ku.edu as well.
There is no doubt that the coming weeks will bring additional changes in each of our lives, just as they will for our student-athletes, so it is important we all continue to support each other. As we navigate these changes and sort through the impact, I am confident we will be a stronger Jayhawk family on the other side.
The loyalty of our members year-in and year-out, regardless of the circumstances, is one of our greatest strengths and why Kansas Athletics will not only persevere, but will become even stronger moving forward. We are most grateful for your continued support!
Stay Healthy and Rock Chalk,
Jeff Long
Director of Athletics
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 5:47 PM with the headline "KU athletic director Long writes letter to fans: ‘My heart breaks (for athletes)’."
