GROUNDED with RB Elad Covaliu

In March, the Iowa Barnstormers players and coaches were traveling to their first game on the road, while the staff was busy in Des Moines finalizing details to welcome fans to Wells Fargo Arena for the home opener the following week. Reports of Covid-19’s rapid spread were covering the news channels, causing worry for what was to come of the 2020 season.

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, businesses began closing their doors and concerts and sporting events were postponed or canceled. The Indoor Football League was given no choice but to halt the season for the safety of the teams, staffs, and fans.

The Iowa Barnstormers were not able to take off, the season was grounded, and as quarantine swept across the nation so were the players, coaches, and staff.

Elad Covaliu earned his place at running back on the Iowa Barnstormers 2020 roster following the teams two-week Training Camp. Along with his teammates; Elad was traveling to the first game of the season when the IFL announced the postponement of the season due to Covid-19, later leading to the difficult decison to cancel altogether.

"The cacellation of the season was obviously very upsetting for me as I'm sure it was for all of the other players, coaches, and the entire league," said Covaliu. "However, it's good to remind yourself that there are other people in much more unfortunate situations and I am very thankful to have my health."

With the season cut short, Elad was able to immediately turn his focus toward preparing for the 2021 season.

"During Training Camp I learned a lot about my teammates, coaches, and our team as a whole. I've been working out in the gym and out on the field almost every day to prepare for the 2021 season."

In addition to training for the football season, Elad runs a fitness studio training others to meet their personal goals. He has spent a lot of his quarantine adjusting to the new normal to continue to run his business safely and efficiently for his clientele. Through the pandemic, Elad offered virtual training and noted being able to re-open his fitness studio as a highlight. 

"It felt great to be able to re-open my studio and get back to my clientele."

With his fitness studio re-opening, Elad had to adapt to new Covid-19 guidelines which he said mainly include frequent sanitization and disinfecting of all equipment, weights, and surfaces.

Although most of his time has been focused on football and his business, Elad has also discovered new hobbies along the way.

"I've spent a lot of time outdoors during quarantine and I'd say hiking is definitely one of my new favorite hobbies. It feels great to escape the everyday grind and to just get out and explore nature."

Elad has also continued to find ways to grow and improve personally.

"I started investing in the stock market. I learned how to trade stocks and use diferent stock trading strategies."

While he has made the most of 2020, Elad did state that grocery shopping was one of the most difficult things to adapt to at the start of quarantine and that the first thing he plans to do when things return to normal is eat at a nice restaurant. 

As for what he has missed during all of this...

"Probably a cliche answer, but I've definitely missed playing football the most."

Elad will return to Des Moines for the 2021 Iowa Barnstormers season in the Spring. The first thing he plans to do when the season begins is simply "win games."

QUICKFIRE: Quarantine Edition

What shows did you binge (if any)?
"Money Heist"

How is your Animal Crossing Island (if you have one)?
"I don't have one."

What are your favorite quarantine snacks?
"Mangos"

Did you bake any kind of bread in quarantine?
"No."

What is the most creative workout you did?
"Handstand push-ups"

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Written by: Juli Pettit