Hundreds of student-athletes at McGill University in Montreal say they’ve been left devastated after learning the school will eliminate 25 varsity teams beginning in the 2026–27 season.
As reported by CTV News, both men’s and women’s track and field, one of the most storied programs in all of Canada, are among those being eliminated. The program was preparing to enter its 126th season, but this year’s campaign will now be its last.
Track and field co-captain Rebecca Warcholak said the news came without warning.
“We felt largely like it was out of the blue," Warcholak said. "We don’t really understand why it happened."
In a release, McGill Athletics cited budget constraints and a lack of facility space as reasons behind the cuts, saying it can no longer support the programs at the standard the university expects.
Warcholak added that even their longtime coach was stunned.
“Our head coach has been here for over 40 years, and it was a shock to him, as well, which was really hard for us to see.”
Per the reporting of Jack Richardson of CTV News, McGill’s decision alters far more than athletes' training schedules. It dramatically changes their university experience and undermines the commitment the school made to them.
“It’s just an absolute gut punch, I came to McGill because I was promised that this was an institution that values both academic and athletic excellence,” second-year athlete William Sanders said. “To hear that my career could be over in three months if I don’t leave Montreal or leave McGill, it’s just hard to wrap my head around.”
“The track team is my family,” Warcholak said. “My boyfriend is on the track team. My roommates have been on the track team. All my best friends are on the track team. This really is just my life.”
