About 20 inches of snow from the winter storm on January 24 have blanketed the college’s athletic turf, shutting down outdoor practices and pushing teams into indoor spaces like the Bruder Gym and the Mirenda Center.
For Tom Zimerman, a junior soccer player from Israel, the snow-covered field was still a troubling sight.
“At first, I was a little bit shocked,” he said. “I’m not used to not practicing because of the snow. I was a little disappointed.”
Turf covered by snow. By Nguyen Ta
The men’s soccer team now practices twice a week in Bruder Gym, located next to the dining hall.
Instead of spreading out across a full-sized field, 34 to 36 players share a basketball court. Large drills such as 11-versus-11 scrimmages and long shooting exercises are no longer possible.
“You don’t get the fitness quite as you get it outside, and you don’t get the touch on the ball quite as you get it outside,” Zimerman said.
To adjust, the team divides into smaller groups, often rotating in stations of five to seven players. While space is limited, the tighter setting has intensified competition. Players challenge each other in short fitness drills and small-sided games, creating what Zimerman described as a more competitive atmosphere.
Tom Zimerman in Bruder Gym, where his soccer team currently practices. By Nguyen Ta
Still, the indoor surface presents challenges. Without grass, traction is different, and players must modify drills. Many, including Zimerman, purchased new indoor sneakers specifically for winter indoor training.
Meanwhile, track and field athletes have relocated to the Mirenda Center, where multiple teams share space. Isaac Rose, a Class of 2029 thrower, practices there four days a week alongside baseball, softball, basketball, and lacrosse teams.
“There’s about five teams trying to work around one area,” Rose said. “We’re all limited to certain spots. We have to come up with different drills inside using the space that we have.”
Mirenda Center, where Rose’s and other teams practice. By Nguyen Ta
Rose typically practices javelin outdoors but cannot throw indoors because of the implement’s sharp metal tip, which could damage floors, equipment or injure others.
For throwers, that means practicing technique without actually throwing. “ I’m not actually able to learn how to throw it properly.”
According to Rose, the athletic department has discussed snow removal concerns, noting that improper clearing could damage the turf and potentially sideline the fields for an extended period.
For now, teams are waiting for the snow and ice to melt naturally.
Athletes say they are adapting, even if they would prefer being outside.
“The first thing I’ll do,” Zimerman said of warmer days ahead, “is go play on the grass. I miss that.”
Until temperatures rise, Bruder Gym and the Mirenda Center remain the temporary home of the college’s winter-bound athletes.
