Editor's Note:  This is the most recent piece in a series of stories shared by Gorillas to Gorillas as we all embark upon this new "season" in our lives. These certainly are unprecedented times, for young and old alike. Our hope is for Gorilla student-athletes, past and present, coaches and members of Gorilla Nation to read these pieces, awaken their Gorilla memories and then compose their own story to share with us. There is strength in numbers.
 
Growing up in Pittsburg I always was a part of the Gorilla community. As long as I can remember I've been putting on a Gorilla shirt on every Saturday and going to football and basketball games. And now I'm putting on a jersey every Saturday to play in those games I used to watch.
 
It still seems a little surreal to me that I'm playing for my hometown team, and to be honest I don't think I could see myself in any other jersey playing for any other team. The bonds I have made over the past two years have been unbreakable, whether that be coaches, teammates, or friends. I have been blessed with some of the best people at Pitt State.
 
The pandemic has taken away sports from the world for the time being. For me, sports are an addiction I need. Whether that be playing or watching, I feel like I need them.  These times have taught me how much sports bring to communities and the world overall. We could all cheer for our favorite teams, watch some of the biggest games together, and just enjoy being around those we love when watching sports.
 
When playing or watching sports you could get out of real life for a little bit and just enjoy the action. That time has stopped for now. With that being said, it hurts; but I believe once sports make a comeback we will be brought together even more and cherish those times even more whether it's as athletes or spectators.
 
The past couple of months have been very weird. It almost feels like everyday is the same. The ongoing pandemic has caused me to get creative, from going to my friends barn to workout, to going to the park at 10 p.m. to go hoop.
 
This year has been the weirdest year of my life and it's only half over. I'm just excited and looking forward to many things including putting on my jersey on Saturdays, going to football games, and being around the people I love.  

Drew Roelfs

Drew Roelfs is entering his redshirt sophomore season as a guard in the Pitt State men's basketball program. A Pittsburg native, Roelfs started three games for the Gorillas during the 2019-20 season and averaged 2.3 points per game.
 
Please share your own personal stories/thoughts via email to dwilkes@pittstate.edu. We want to share them! (PSU Athletics reserves the right to edit content for space and appropriateness. We cannot promise to publish every submission, but we will do our best.) Thanks Gorilla Nation!
 
Through the Eyes of a Gorilla Archives
Vol. I - Dan Wilkes, Associate AD/Communications (Apr. 3)
Vol. II - Levi Wyrick, Football/Track & Field Athlete (Apr. 7)
Vol. III - Amanda Davied, Women's Basketball Coach (Apr. 10)
Vol. IV - Chris Hanna, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (Apr. 13)
Vol. V - Jeff Moreland, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (Apr. 15)
Vol. VI - Emily Hanenberg, Volleyball Athlete (Apr. 17)
Vol. VII - Ashley Balazs, Softball Coach (Apr. 20)
Vol. VIII - Peter Euler, PSU Alum/CC T&F Athlete (Apr. 22)
Vol. IX - Caitlin Demarest, PSU Alum/WBB Athlete (Apr. 24)
Vol. X - Tyson Cushman, Baseball Athlete (Apr. 27)
Vol. XI - Oscar Gonzalez, PSU Alum/Men's Basketball Athlete (Apr. 29)
Vol. XII - Russ Jewett, Cross Country/Track & Field Coach (May 1)
Vol. XIII - Ronald Moore, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (May 4)
Vol. XIV - Emily Regier, Volleyball Athlete (May 6)
Vol. XV - Wendi (Rickson) Horak, PSU Alum/Softball Athlete (May 8)
Vol. XVI - Josh Lattimer, PSU Alum/Football Coach (May 11)
Vol. XVII - Brad Buckley, PSU Alum/Baseball Coach (May 13)
Vol. XVIII - Piper Misse, Cross Country/Track & Field Athlete (May 15)
Vol. XVIV - Alexa (Bordewick) Dreiling, PSU Alum/WBB Athlete (May 18)
Vol. XX - Jen Gomez, Volleyball Coach (May 20)
Vol. XXI - Harlan Hess, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (May 22)
Vol. XXII - Kaity Kukowski, Softball Athlete (May 25)
Vol. XXIII - Eddie Lomshek, PSU Alum/Play-By-Play Broadcaster (May 27)
Vol. XXIV - Jenni (Miller) Croy, PSU Alum/Women's Basketball Athlete (May 29)
Vol. XXV - Jesse Wall, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (June 1)
Vol. XXVI - Marcus Canipe, PSU Alum/CC T&F Athlete (June 3)
Vol. XXVII - Kim Anderson, PSU Men's Basketball Coach (June 5)
Vol. XXVIII - Tucker Horak, Football Athlete (June 8)
Vol. XXVIV - Brandon Claypool, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (June 10)
Vol. XXX - Jacob Lenard, PSU Alum/Television Sports Director (June 12)
Vol. XXXI - Bo Farrow, PSU Alum/FB T&F Athlete (June 15)
Vol. XXXII - Bob Fornelli, Baseball Coach (June 18)
Vol. XXXIII - Dan Wilkes, Memorial Tribute to Homer Cole (June 21)