Hampden-Sydney All-American tight end Ed Newman set to return for fifth year
HAMPTON-SYDNEY, Va. (BVM)- The 2020-21 Old Dominion Athletic Conference football season brought its own unique set of challenges, one different from any other. Trying to prepare for and win football games amid a pandemic is a daunting task.
However, Hampden-Sydney senior tight end Ed Newman made the most of the ODAC鈥檚 unique spring season. In only five games Newman was able to have one of his best seasons and earn positions on both the All-ODAC and All-State teams. Despite the difficulties of the year, Newman capped off his senior year earning 2nd team All-American honors.
When asked how it felt when he found out, 狈别飞尘补苍鈥檚 first reaction was disbelief. Newman was informed by another teammate, and he thought there must have been a misunderstanding. Even after he confirmed that it was true, it still seemed hard to believe.
鈥淚t still hasn鈥檛 hit me yet, but I am very pleased,鈥� Newman said.听
However, Newman still sees work to be done despite the All-American honors. This season, Newman missed two out of the five games played due to injury and feels that if he can stay healthy his 5th year will be his best one yet.
Recovering from injuries, however, is nothing new for Newman. His freshman year he was eight snaps away from a medical redshirt. After injuries plagued his sophomore year as well, Newman stepped up his preparation in the offseason. He changed his body, losing 10 pounds and replacing it with muscle.
Going into his junior year Newman felt that he was ready to make waves and be a critical part of the offense.听
鈥淓verything was coming together, and I knew I had the potential to play a bigger role,鈥� Newman said.听
Unfortunately, the goals Newman set in place for himself never came to fruition.
Early into his sophomore season Newman took a hard hit and knew something was wrong, 鈥淭hat pain was something 滨鈥檒濒 never forget.鈥�听
That pain turned out to be a lacerated kidney and would end his junior season before it could truly begin. Sidelined for the remainder of his junior year, Newman set his sights on his final season as Hampden-Sydney Tiger.
Focused on recovering and getting ready for his senior season, COVID-19 threatened to take that season away. However, Newman did not allow the uncertainty to affect his work ethic. He kept his focus and was prepared for the five game spring season. That preparation and determination has obviously paid off.
For most, coming back from this kind of injury can be daunting. Adding on the uncertainty of a pandemic would be impossible for many to overcome. However, the goals that Newman has for himself and his team keep him motivated through injuries and COVID-19 alike.
After being an All-ODAC, All-State, and All-American athlete, those goals would appear to have been reached. However, Newman does not see it that way. Citing losing his junior year and having his senior year cut short, Newman has decided to come back to Hampden-Sydney for his 5th year.
While COVID-19 provided mostly negatives, it did provide one positive for student-athletes. The NCAA ruled that every athlete would be rewarded an extra year of eligibility because of the challenge of the 2020 athletic season.
For an athlete that has faced injury shortened seasons it would make sense that Newman might jump at the opportunity to play for one more year. However, he did not take the decision lightly. While it may appear as the obvious decision, it was one that Newman said he was in no rush to make.
He decided to focus on the five game season ahead of him first and let that be his sole focus. When the season ended, Newman took the time to consider all aspects of coming back to Hampden-Sydney. He said that his family loved the idea, and that played a big role in his final decision.
After setting his sights on one more year, Newman also set his sights on a new set of goals for he and his teammates. Amongst the number of goals that he has for the season, there is one that stands above all.听
鈥淏eat Macon,鈥� Newman said. 鈥淚f nothing else gets done this season 滨鈥檒濒 be happy if we beat them.鈥�
