Maryville University, the Division II school out of St. Louis, began its women’s swim team only 12 years ago, with the men coming on in 2015. But already the school is shuttering the non-revenue generating sport. Student-athletes were told the news in the wake of losing the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships in mid-February.
The team is made up of seven women and 11 men, with four of the student-athletes graduating in just a few weeks. According to SwimSwam, the remaining students will have their scholarships honored for one additional year.
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The men’s and women’s swim coach, Savannah Erickson, resigned from her position in February without reason.
Just across town, the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) announced this week that it would cut men’s and women’s track and field at the end of this season.
According to First Alert 4, the school stated “budget considerations” and “lack of facilities” as reasons to eliminate the non-revenue-generating sport. There are a combined 40 student-athletes on the men’s and women’s track team and one full-time coach who will be affected by this cut.
A UMSL spokesperson said, “The university is carefully monitoring potential changes in federal funding. As of now, there have not been changes that impact operations.”
University officials confirmed that the student-athletes from track and field can retain their scholarships if they continue to compete in cross country, which has not been cut from the school’s supported sports.
“By streamlining our sport offerings, UMSL can enhance support for its remaining 15 programs, ensuring they remain competitive and well-resourced. The athletic department remains committed to strengthening its cross country programs,” said the spokesperson.
