Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Discontinues Two Sports
4/25/2003 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
Marshall Discontinues Two Sports
4/25/2003
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- The Marshall University Department of Athletics announced today that it will discontinue the sports of men?s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field beginning with the 2003-04 school year.
The move to discontinue the men?s track programs will cut expenses for the athletic department by an estimated $150,000 next year. The department?s projected overall athletic budget for 2003-04 is $11.5 million.
The reduction leaves Marshall athletics with 16 varsity sports, the minimum number required by the NCAA for Division I-A membership. The Men's Cross Country program will not be affected by the reductions.
?This is a very tough decision because of the effect it will have on the lives of several athletes,? Director of Athletics Bob Marcum said. ?We sympathize with the coaches and athletes who have dedicated so much of their time and effort to these sports. These decisions are not easily reached and are tough for all those involved in the process -- athletes, coaches and administrators.?
A total of 18 student-athletes will be affected by the reductions. All squad members within a year of graduation will be allowed to retain their scholarships and have an opportunity to complete their degrees at Marshall. Every attempt will be made to assist squad members who wish to continue competition to find other opportunities. NCAA rules allow student-athletes to transfer without penalty from a discontinued program.
?Our goal is to build a highly competitive total sports program for Marshall and the state of West Virginia,? Marcum said. ?We are certainly grateful for the resources that the University and the Board of Governors made available for us to compete in the Mid-American Conference. However, due to the fiscal conditions the University and the State of West Virginia are facing, we must make cuts in an attempt to balance our overall budget.
?In order for Marshall to have future success in the MAC it will require an infusion of financial resources.?
?You can?t simply say, yes, keep everything,? Marshall University President Dan Angel said. ?You?re between a rock and a hard place. Whatever we cut, it won?t be because we want to.?
