Hempstead, NY – Hofstra wrestling redshirt junior Ricky Stamm has been working closely with intellectually disabled adults in the Nassau County area, providing them with daily interaction and taking them on various trips around the area. Unfortunately, with the current social distancing guidelines in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it adds a degree of difficulties to Stamm's role.

"Taking them out for the day is one of my big responsibilities, so it's difficult right now with all the places that we usually take them being closed and certain parks that they like to go to being too crowded, so we have to come up with different ways to keep them entertained," Stamm said. "While they understand for the most part that most things have changed, the social distancing guidelines provides a unique challenge for us that I think we're meeting."

Stamm directly qualified for the 2020 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships with a fifth-place finish at the 2020 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Championships on March 7. Despite not being able to compete at the NCAA Championships due to the cancellation of all spring and winter sports, Stamm sees this as an opportunity to work more closely with the organization while continuing his degree in History.

"I hadn't been able to work that much with them during the season, but I'm now able to pick up more shifts and that allows me to be with them more often," Stamm says. "As for my classes, you figure out the online classes and the Zoom meet-ups as you go. It's an adjustment for me, going from balancing that time of being in the wrestling room and with my academics, but I'm figuring it out as I go."

Those wishing to support our student-athletes during this time can do so by visiting our Student-Athlete Emergency Fund. This fund was created to assist our student-athletes who have been financially impacted by this massive public health crisis and is designed to assist with travel, moving costs, housing, and other essential support. Thank you for your continued support of Hofstra Athletics and our terrific student-athletes. #HofstraStrong