IRVINE, Calif. - While everyone faced immense challenges as COVID-19 infiltrated the globe, seniors at colleges and universities across the nation faced a difficult decision in 2020. Would they choose to use their eligibility and run it back for one more year? Or would they enter the “real world” that was ever-changing with the tide of the virus spreading. 

There were three seniors on Concordia University Irvine’s track and field team that decided to make the tough decision to stay on the squad for another year and receive the opportunity to compete for the Eagles one more time. 

Anamauri Hernandez, Aaron Mason, and Bailey Wade are the brave three, who not only continue to train with the Eagle family, but also continue their education with their pursuit of their graduate degrees. 

Hernandez, a fifth-year senior and distance runner for CUI, is now in a Teacher’s Credential program and starting her master’s degree in education. When asked why she came back for a fifth year, she put it simply by saying: “Coach Bloomfield.” She believes everyone should have a coach like him, one that gave her a chance to keep running and continue her education. 

For those looking for inspiration during the cold winter months leading up to the spring track and field season, Hernandez has a message she wants to share. Typically a 3,000 meter steeplechase runner, Hernandez believes the Eagles can win a PacWest Conference Championship. 

Mason is a graduate of CUI with a degree in psychology. He is now looking towards his future, while still staying thankful and present on campus. He is now getting his master’s in healthcare administration with dreams of working in management or human resources at a healthcare facility or hospital. 

Mason’s biggest achievement on the track was one of his last races of the 2020 spring season before COVID-19 started. He finished with a two-second personal record in the 400 meter race in February 2020. 

Mason spoke about his decision to do a fifth year for Concordia and his words will inspire many to fight against the cards that have been dealt during this challenging time. 

“I felt as if I had unfinished business on the track,” said Mason. “I had two meets of back to back PRs (personal records) and felt really confident and comfortable. 

Wade, also a fifth-year senior returning to run track and field at CUI, is finishing her Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology and ultimately a master’s in teaching with a credential in special education. Wade dreams of becoming a special needs teacher within a juvenile hall. She shares her fellow athletes’ thoughts in believing that the team can do big things this year and she wants to help them with scoring in the 3k steeplechase race. 

The hard work and dedication of these three seniors shines as they look toward a bright future athletically in 2021 and beyond in their prospective careers. Wade, Hernandez, and Mason will leave a legacy of grit and community that created the strong family atmosphere that unites all CUITFXC Eagles.