Clemson ending Track & Field & CC -- Men's

[Padreruf]

Here's a shocker...Clemson is ending their Men's Track and Field and Cross Country programs as of June, 2021. Cited 2 million in savings as well as Title IX. They project losing 25 million in income due to the Covid pandemic.

Letter from Dan Radakovich Regarding Men’s Track and Field and Cross Country

Dear Clemson Track and Field and Cross Country Supporters and Clemson Family, After consultation and communication with President Clements and the Board of Trustees, I have made the difficult decision to discontinue sponsorship of the men’s track and field program effective June 2021. The...

clemsontigers.com

 

[B1GTide]

I understand, but as a lifetime runner it makes me sad to read.

 

[Crimson1967]

Puts them at the FBS minimum of 16 sports.

 

[GP for Bama]

I hate this. Several Big Ten schools have already dropped a sport or two. Covid is hurting a lot of athletic departments.

 

[CajunCrimson]

Why is it costing $2M? That seems crazy high for a non spectator sport.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Why is it costing $2M? That seems crazy high for a non spectator sport.

I've read that Alabama averages spending ~$100k/year per football player when you include everything (scholarship, room & board, travel, medical, etc.). I'm sure T&F cost less, but not necessarily substantially so.

 

[CoachJeff]

I've read that Alabama averages spending ~$100k/year per football player when you include everything (scholarship, room & board, travel, medical, etc.). I'm sure T&F cost less, but not necessarily substantially so.

Its way less than that.

 

[Rolltide51]

Here's a shocker...Clemson is ending their Men's Track and Field and Cross Country programs as of June, 2021. Cited 2 million in savings as well as Title IX. They project losing 25 million in income due to the Covid pandemic.

Letter from Dan Radakovich Regarding Men’s Track and Field and Cross Country

Dear Clemson Track and Field and Cross Country Supporters and Clemson Family, After consultation and communication with President Clements and the Board of Trustees, I have made the difficult decision to discontinue sponsorship of the men’s track and field program effective June 2021. The...

clemsontigers.com

so why not suspend the program for a season or two and then bring it back if finances are there.

 

[CajunCrimson]

I've read that Alabama averages spending ~$100k/year per football player when you include everything (scholarship, room & board, travel, medical, etc.). I'm sure T&F cost less, but not necessarily substantially so.

I guess it adds up. I also look at scholarships as being a perceived value. Meaning that scholarship isn’t really costing the university much on the education side. It’s not like that kid was likely coming to the University if he wasn’t going to be playing football. So he might equate to 1/500 of the professors salary. I get the “taking care of you” expenses though. Those add up fast. 200 Steak dinners per year

 

[DogPatch]

so why not suspend the program for a season or two and then bring it back if finances are there.

My guess would be that's the plan, but this allows for more cost savings now.

 

[crimsonaudio]

so why not suspend the program for a season or two and then bring it back if finances are there.

I'm guessing we're seeing the way college athletics will likely look moving forward. Fewer athletic scholarships, more club sports.

 

[JayBama_in_PCOLA]

Strange that it’s only the men’s team.

 

[Padreruf]

Strange that it’s only the men’s team.

Title IX compliance...they had to start a women's rowing team a few years back in order to get into compliance.

 

[Crimson1967]

My son was a walk on in a non-revenue sport. But they gave him a per diem when he went on trips with the team.

I also don’t see the academic part of a scholarship as a cost. Even if the AD writes a check to the bursar’s office, it is still the university’s money. If I take $20 out of my wallet and put it in my pocket, my net worth hasn’t changed.

And while some classes have size limits, a few extra people in a freshman or sophomore level class in a lecture hall isn’t going to sink the boat. I bet you could walk into a random 100 level class and take a seat in Tuscaloosa and nobody would notice.

 

[BamaFlum]

Very sad for those athletes.

 

[rolltide_21]

As an XC coach, I’m saddened for the student athletes. Some really talented athletes are going to miss an opportunity to get their school paid for, at least partially anyway. The top runner in AL is at Vestavia Hills with a PR @ 14:37 (5k trail running). He’s currently committed to UNC. I’ve got a 10th grader who, if he continues to improve, stands a chance at a smaller school. I just hope after all this there will be an opportunity for him if he wants it.

 

[JayBama_in_PCOLA]

Title IX compliance...they had to start a women's rowing team a few years back in order to get into compliance.

Thank you.
I’m beginning to think Title IX is doing more harm than good.

 

[Padreruf]

Thank you.
I’m beginning to think Title IX is doing more harm than good.

Poorly written and implemented...even though the original purpose is excellent. Ignores the reality that Men's BB and CFB are the cash cows for college athletics.

 

[Con]

As an XC coach, I’m saddened for the student athletes. Some really talented athletes are going to miss an opportunity to get their school paid for, at least partially anyway. The top runner in AL is at Vestavia Hills with a PR @ 14:37 (5k trail running). He’s currently committed to UNC. I’ve got a 10th grader who, if he continues to improve, stands a chance at a smaller school. I just hope after all this there will be an opportunity for him if he wants it.

I am right there with you. I coached track for many years and I hate to see this for the kids. Everybody is not made to play football, basketball or even baseball. Track gives kids a chance to succeed in something and for some it helps pay for their college or allows them to be a part of something in college other than a fraternity or other organization.

 

[gtgilbert]

Why is it costing $2M? That seems crazy high for a non spectator sport.

12.6 scholarships, gear/equipment, travel/per diem, coaches salaries (although they might not save these if they share coaches between men/women). All that adds up really quick.

As others have said though, the real issue is title IX. By requiring even numbers of scholarships between men and women, to keep the TF&CC team for men, Clemson would also have to add 12.6 female athletes and another sport, with coaches, travel and overhead associated with that.

Title IX was put in place with the right motivations, but without the reality check that football has the highest number of scholarships and can require 3-5 womens sports to balance that out and for the most part, the womens sports don't generate any revenue for the athletic department or college.