“That sucks.” A simple yet powerful reaction was echoed by many after the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) announced the discontinuation of its track and field programs. With the announcement, college track and field is at a crossroads and has fueled the sport’s future at collegiate levels. As opportunities in track and field continue to rise, why are schools cutting programs? The latest move at UMSL raises troubling questions.
As new opportunities emerge for athletes, some programs are vanishing, leaving many questioning the sport’s future. UMSL just became the latest school to cut its track and field teams, a move that has sparked debate among fans and athletes alike. As per the USML Tritons, the announcement was made on Tuesday, March 4—that the men’s and women’s track and field programs would be discontinued after the conclusion of the Spring 2025 semester.
Though the decision was taken after a thorough analysis of the university’s sporting programs and funding distributions,. However, athletes’ futures are at risk. One thing is for sure: in college sports, it’s not only the talented athletes who survive but also those who are well-funded. But what’s the benefit for students the university is talking about?
Those who were part of the track and field program will be honored with scholarships for their remaining years of eligibility. Is that it; no conditions apply? How’s that possible, right? Students must meet the academic progress requirements. Student-athletes who participate in both cross-country and track and field will continue to be eligible for their scholarships as long as they continue to play on the cross-country team.
With that being said, Executive Director of Athletics Dr. Holly Sheilley issued a statement, “This was a difficult decision, but our priority remains to provide our student-athletes with the best possible academic and athletic experience.” Sheilley further added, “By streamlining our offerings, we can enhance support for our cross-country teams while uplifting our 15 total sport programs, ensuring they remain competitive and well-resourced.”
While the changes are affecting the student-athletes, a four-year letter winner, Brett Lynch, has started a petition and requested to reinstate the sport at the university. The petition is launched through GoFundMe. Let’s hope students get their rights, but at the same time, track and field fans and well-wishers are clearly against the decision.
Track and field fans are rallying against the UMSL announcement
“That sucks. Just watched them at the GLVC Conference Championship.” For fans and athletes, seeing UMSL shut down its track and field program is a tough pill to swallow. Just weeks ago, these athletes were competing at the highest level in their conference—now, they’re left without a team. The abrupt end highlights a troubling pattern in collegiate athletics.
“That sucks. It’s not a revenue-generating sport. This will likely become more common as colleges feel the squeeze from lower enrollment.” Like many other sports, track and field tends to generate less revenue and often struggles for financial backing. As one track and field fan commented, “Golf and tennis at least are statistically more likely to have wealthy alumni. Could be donations are what’s keeping them afloat.” This raises a crucial question: Is collegiate track and field sustainable without deep-pocketed donors?
While some find blessing in disguise, one fan wrote on Reddit, “It’s the first sport to cut, which sucks, but a good amount of them will get opportunities elsewhere.” Historically, over the years, track and field programs have been grappling with budget cuts, even though the sport opens doors for young athletes. While some may find new opponents to compete with at the collegiate level, others will be eliminated. T
his is a harsh and unfortunate reminder that being a talented athlete is not enough. “It does not bode well for the future of track and field,” another wrote. With new opportunities emerging for professional and collegiate athletes alike, the sport is growing—but at the same time, institutions are shutting down programs. The contrast is striking.
If UMSL’s move is any indication, the future of the sport at the NCAA level may be more uncertain than ever. With shifting priorities in collegiate athletics, could more programs face the same fate? Only time will tell.
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