ETSU athletics is heading into the new school year with one less sports program. On Monday, June 26, Athletic Director Dr. Richard “Doc” Sander announced that the men’s indoor track and field program would be cut moving forward.
According to the athletics department, the decision is an attempt to comply with Title IX regulations and redirect financial resources to better fund the athletic program as a whole.
Financial assets are crucial to the survival of collegiate sports programs. Soon after stepping into the role of athletic director in August 2022, Dr. Sander evaluated the department’s funds and implemented changes that would end the 2022-23 school year with greater financial status than the school started with.
Title IX requires universities to offer equal opportunities for male and female athletes. A recent analysis of ETSU admissions over the past couple of years revealed a female-dominant student body. Similar results are apparent across the country. Therefore, to align with a primarily female student body, the athletic department cut the men’s indoor track and field team.
It is important to note that although this decision resulted in the elimination of the men’s indoor track and field team, ETSU’s outdoor teams remain strong for both men and women. Additionally, the women’s indoor team will stay intact.
Other men’s programs including baseball and football are also changing slightly by limiting team size. This will have no effect on scholarships provided to players.
Dr. Sander also revealed that going forward, ETSU will look to bring in a new women’s sport.
You must be logged in to post a comment.