Ferrum, VA, February 6, 2026 — Ferrum College was significantly affected by snow and ice during the final week of January 2026, prompting some students to return home and attend classes remotely that week. Those unable to travel remained safely in their residence halls as campus operations shifted to remote learning. With athletics postponed and travel around campus deemed unsafe, normal routines were disrupted—but Ferrum Athletics found a way to turn the challenge into an opportunity to serve.
From January 26 through February 3, 2026, Ferrum College student-athletes from every athletic team joined employees and other volunteers to assist the Physical Plant team with snow and ice removal across campus. On January 26, approximately 20–30 student-athletes worked alongside staff to clear sidewalks from Riddick Hall to Franklin Hall, Swartz, and the Norton Center. Additional volunteers returned on Friday, January 30, when 10–20 student-athletes helped clear walkways around campus. By February 3, more than 50 student-athletes were on the field in W. B. Adams Stadium, clearing the turf to allow a return to outdoor practice. Members of the baseball team also cleared the Panther Field diamond, making limited outdoor practice possible. Over the course of the week, every athletic team contributed student-athletes to the effort.
Director of Athletics Cleive Adams ’02 said the experience underscored the strength of Ferrum’s community and the character of its student-athletes. “Honestly, it made me proud to see our students come together to help reopen campus for business,” Adams said. “They sometimes start a little slowly, but once they’re surrounded by their peers, momentum builds quickly, and they make a real impact across campus. It’s a great reminder that many hands make light work.”
Through teamwork and service, Ferrum Athletics played a key role in helping the campus safely return to normal operations—demonstrating that even when competition is paused, the Panther spirit remains strong.
Click here for more photos of the January snow and snow removal at Ferrum College.
