I planned on spending Monday working at home like most days, but that changed after a late Sunday night message from DePaul assistant director of athletic communications Bob Sakamoto. The Big East Conference rescheduled a DePaul women’s basketball game to Monday afternoon. Fortunately, my schedule is fairly flexible, and I was able to catch the game. The Blue Demons won 94–82, but the theme of the day was adjustments.

DePaul’s Darrione Rogers and Villanova’s Maddy Siegrist
© Steve Woltmann – DePaul Athletics

DePaul, who last played Dec. 29, didn’t have a scheduled game until Jan. 7. The break was shortened as the Blue Demons hurriedly shifted gears to plan for Monday’s game against Villanova. As Sakamoto said, “Guess this is going to be life in a pandemic.”

The uncertain nature of the season was the main topic in the post-game press session with DePaul coach Doug Bruno and players Sonya Morris and Darrione Rogers. It’s not an ideal situation, but at least basketball is being played. Bruno stressed the importance of being game-ready at all times. He talked of having scouting reports and game plans on all potential opponents ready to be implemented on short notice.

Monday’s game was a microcosm of life in general right now. Things change rapidly. If we are prepared, we can roll with the changes and make the best of things. It was hurried and hectic, but DePaul ended Monday with one more game played, one more win and one less future game in doubt.

Like the Blue Demons, I try to be ready for anything. When the opportunity arose to watch a game, I took it because we really don’t know if a next game will be played. It’s about appreciating the moment and doing what you can when you can.

I have been to Wintrust Arena many times, admiring the fun sculpture in front of the adjacent Marriott Marquis each time I pass. Monday I took the time to talk to the concierge about that sculpture. Installed in 2018, BOTS was designed by David Weeks and fabricated by Vector Custom Fabricating to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Cubebot toy. It features two large, bright-red, boxy Cubebot figures with a few yellow blocks scattered between them. It’s playful, colorful and amusing.

I finished my day with a take-home pizza from Aurelio’s. Its neon sign invited all to celebrate Pizza Month. I didn’t let Pizza Month actually being October stop me from enjoying a delicious chicken pizza.

Like DePaul, my Monday wasn’t what I planned, but it turned into a great day. I don’t know what’s next, but I’m ready for anything.

— John Wroblewski, online writer