Central Michigan University announced today the men’s track and field program will be discontinued.
According to the Athletic Department, the cut was made in response to declining enrollment and additional financial challenges resulting from COVID-19.
Athletic Director, Michael Alford said 36 student athletes have been impacted by the decision.
"It’s just impossible to work without this reduction, and the inability to meet the financial needs of the program to be successful was the primary reason that I chose to discontinue the program," Alford said.
It's projected the university will have long-term savings of $628,798 because of the program cut.
Of the 36 students, some of them are cross-country athletes. Men's cross-country will continue as a non-scholarship sport once all signed aid agreements are fulfilled, the athletic department said in a press release.
"My heart goes out to these student-athletes; I know this is incredibly difficult for them," Alford said. "We hope they continue their academic journeys at Central Michigan, but also wish them the best if they're able to continue athletic pursuits elsewhere."
The university said it will continue to honor all signed scholarship agreements, including scholarships awarded to new fall 2020 students.
There are now 16 athletic programs at CMU: Men's and women's basketball, football, women's soccer, women's golf, baseball, softball, men's and women's cross country, field hockey, women's track and field, gymnastics, women's lacrosse, softball, volleyball and wrestling.
