The Board of Regents is scheduled to vote this Friday on an amendment to drop four longstanding men's sports at the "U," as the school is affectionately known: track and field (indoor and outdoor), tennis, and gymnastics. Collectively, they represent 57 male athletes on the current rosters, as well as more than 100 years of competitive history.
On September 10, 2020, without any prior communication to students, staff, alumni, or donors, the University of Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle and President Joan Gabel outlined a proposal to discontinue the Men's Track and Field teams after the completion of the 2020-2021 academic year. Citing COVID-related budgetary shortfalls and maintaining compliance with Title IX federal mandates, they presented this item to the Board of Regents for approval the very next day. Regent members agreed to table the matter until its next meeting on October 8-9, 2020, where a decision will be made. There is no appeal process.
The vote is now a couple of days away and now is the time to use your voice and advocate for the saving of this storied program that has produced national champions, Olympians, big ten champs, and so so much more.
Check out http://www.savegophertf.org/ for more information on how you can help.