UMN to Cut Women's Track and Cross Country Roster Spots

Oct 04, 2020

When the Gophers announced Sept. 10 they would be cutting men's tennis, track & field (Indoor and Outdoor), and gymnastics, the athletics department noted that move would be combined with "roster adjustments in women's programs." The adjustment to women's program became public this week with the following adjustments to women's cross country and track & field:

The women's cross country team will go from 34 projected participants for the 2020-21 season to 20 for 2021-22. The NCAA average for the sport is 17.
The track and field team, for both indoor and outdoor seasons, are projected to go from 68 participants this academic year to 50. The NCAA average is 40.

Here were the reactions from some athletes and coaches:

Two of these three were walk-ons who got a chance. Last year they were the reason we made our 14th NCAA meet in the last 15 years and were All-Region performers. Cross Country is a developmental sport, and you never know which 18 year old will be the best 22 year old! pic.twitter.com/BkjIvqyHtX
-- Sarah Hopkins (@MNXCCoachHop) October 1, 2020

Do not test Gary Wilson on the importance of walk-on athletes to D1 women's programs and how more still will create champions.

A must read.#saveGopherTF pic.twitter.com/yoAuSUIRVb
-- Mike Linnemann (@mikelinnemann) October 2, 2020

Mark Coyle University of Minnesota athletic director cited title 9 as the reason to cut 4 ⁦@GopherSports⁩ men's sports. This can not be consistent with the goals or laws of title 9. Come on Mark. https://t.co/bxRaKXxMrr
-- Justin Grunewald (@JustinGrunewald) October 2, 2020

Gopher athletics deserves better. https://t.co/rSccVVA8rG
-- OBSA (@obsali17) October 1, 2020