“I Have Been Confronted Every Interview Every Time, Doesn’t Make It Easier”: Dave Aranda Speaks on Blocking Out Sawyer Robertson’s Injury Situation
In a recent candid interview, Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda opened up about the emotional challenges he has faced in the wake of quarterback Sawyer Robertson’s injury. The injury, which has cast a shadow over the team’s season, has been a topic of discussion at nearly every press conference and interview. Aranda, known for his calm and composed demeanor, addressed how difficult it has been to block out the constant questions surrounding Robertson’s condition, all while trying to maintain focus on the bigger picture for his team.
Sawyer Robertson, a highly touted transfer quarterback, was expected to be a key player for Baylor this season. However, after sustaining a significant injury early on, his status became a source of concern and speculation. Fans and media alike have been relentlessly questioning Aranda about Robertson’s recovery, creating a challenging situation for the coach as he tries to manage both the physical health of his player and the mental health of his team.
“I have been confronted every interview, every time,” Aranda shared, his voice tinged with exhaustion. “It doesn’t make it easier. It’s something I’m still working through. But, at the end of the day, the focus has to be on the team, on what we can control.”
For Aranda, the mental toll of dealing with constant media inquiries about Robertson’s status has been a significant challenge. As a coach, Aranda is used to managing the complexities of team dynamics, preparing for opponents, and making crucial decisions under pressure. However, the personal nature of Robertson’s injury situation—along with the lingering uncertainty surrounding his recovery—has made it difficult to focus solely on football.
“Each time I get asked about it, it brings me back to the moment of his injury,” Aranda admitted. “I don’t want to get into specifics because I want to respect his privacy, but seeing someone you care about and have worked with go down like that, it’s tough. And it’s not just the physical aspect of the injury, it’s the mental and emotional toll it takes on him, the team, and myself. It’s hard to not let that weigh on you.”
Despite the emotional burden, Aranda has tried to maintain a sense of normalcy and optimism within the team. He has praised the other quarterbacks, who have stepped up in Robertson’s absence, and emphasized the importance of moving forward. “We have a next-man-up mentality,” he said. “It’s part of the game, and while it’s unfortunate that Sawyer is dealing with this, it’s our job to keep the team moving forward.”
Baylor’s team has had to adapt in Robertson’s absence, with backup quarterbacks stepping in and trying to fill the void left by the promising transfer. Aranda acknowledged that this shift has been challenging but noted that it has also allowed other players to rise to the occasion. The focus, he reiterated, is on building a competitive team that can continue to fight for success, regardless of the setbacks.
“The team has to keep going,” Aranda said. “We can’t let external factors distract us. This is a group effort, and the players know they have to stick together, support each other, and find ways to keep improving. There are always going to be bumps along the way, but we have to be resilient.”
While Aranda’s professionalism has been evident throughout this ordeal, it’s clear that the emotional strain of dealing with Robertson’s injury situation is a constant presence in his mind. He reflected on the difficulty of balancing his role as a coach with his personal feelings for Robertson, a player he has mentored closely.
“Part of being a coach is caring for the players as people, not just as athletes,” Aranda explained. “When something like this happens, it’s hard not to be affected. But you have to separate that, keep your composure, and focus on leading the team. It’s about showing them how to handle adversity, even when it’s painful.”
Despite the difficult circumstances, Aranda remains focused on the long-term vision for Baylor football, knowing that injuries are an unfortunate, but inevitable, part of the sport. As the season progresses, he is determined to help his players, including Robertson, navigate these challenging times while continuing to push for improvement on the field.
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