Acrofest, but social-distancing style

Another exciting sports event has passed, and that was Acrofest. What has set this year apart from the usual Acrofest is this one was 100% virtual. Union could not host an in-person Acrofest as there are growing concerns about COVID-19, which is a good thing considering the 20+ current cases on campus. 

How did this work, you may ask? Well, every team from across the country performed their routines from their own gym and these performances were broadcast for every viewer across the country to enjoy. Each team’s coach recorded their routines with music and submitted it to Union. This year’s theme was “Walk Through Fire.” There was originally going to be a handstand competition, but due to a lack of entries, it was unfortunately cancelled. Like it or not, this was the best way to guarantee every team's collective safety and wellbeing as COVID-19 cases in Lincoln continue to rage on.

Another happening at this event was dedicated to gymnast Heather Boulais. Boulais was a gymnast at Union College when, in 2015, she took a 23-foot fall during a practice routine and suffered traumatic brain and skull injuries and went into a medically-induced coma. Following her injuries, she was forced to relearn nearly everything, including how to walk and how to talk. Eventually in 2017, with the help of her mother and sister, she was able to perform a routine for the first time in two years. 

Boulais was the first recipient of the award named after her. The Heather Boulais Courage Award is given to a gymnast who shows courage inside and outside the gym. Coaches selected their nominees and five Adventist universities (Andrews University, Union College, Southern Adventist University, Washington Adventist University and Southwestern Adventist University) selected a winner. The recipient of the 2021 Heather Boulais Courage Award was Anna Lopez from Highland View Academy in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Looking ahead, Union hopes to host an in-person Acrofest next year from Nov. 10-12, 2022. Until then, enjoy this year’s event from your phone or laptop. Good job to all those who participated this year, and let’s keep our fingers crossed that we can have a normal Acrofest next year.

By Evan Majors