Where were you when the news dropped about all sports being canceled for the rest of the year?
I was out for spring break I was in New Orleans.
What was your initial reaction to the news?
I didn't want to believe It was real to be honest, shocked to hear how much of an impact it created.
When you left for spring break it was right before the shutdown. Were there fears back then about the chance of not being able to return to campus?
Yeah it was before all this pandemic started to happen. Yeah, a little disappointed about not having the chance to step back on campus.
As one of the seniors on the squad did you address the entire team afterwards?
We have a team group chat that we communicate through. Me and everyone else basically said our peace about the team and how this situation really makes you appreciate the season, because you never know when it's going to end.
Can you go into detail a little bit with what you said to the rest of the team?
I mainly talked to my jumpers, but just to keep working right now to get ready for next year. Overall message to not take the season for granted and approach every meet like it's your last because you never know if it's going to be.
Any concerns about the possibility of not being able to finish your classes this semester?
It is a little more difficult adjusting to all my classes and assignments being online, but my professors and the University are being really cooperative during this time to make sure the seniors are still good to graduate.
How are you able to stay focused on your studies during such a stressful time?
The goal was to finish college in four years or less, I just try to remember that hasn't changed just because of this situation.
With the possibility of not having a traditional graduation, how will you celebrate getting your bachelor's degree?
I was supposed to have a cruise vacation but we're more than likely going to have an in house family celebration.
What have you been doing to pass the time during the self-quarantine period?
Staying inside the house for the majority of the time, I still workout to stay in shape but other than going to the store I don't really get out much.
Has any of your family or friends contracted the coronavirus?
No not that I know of.
The NCAA has given all spring athletes an extra semester of eligibility, is that something you will take advantage of?
I'm in the process of applying to grad schools now, I've been thinking about coming back to compete to end my senior year off right.
Karim Beatty has amassed one first-place finish, in the triple jump at the UMES Coach O Collegiate Invitational (Jan. 7, 2017) and seven other top-three finishes in the long/triple jumps and the 4x400 relay races. Beatty recorded a career-best 13.61 meters in triple jump at the Colonial Relays (Apr. 4, 2019) and a career-best 6.70 meters in the long jump at the Villanova Invitational (Feb. 1, 2020).