I wish to follow up on Mr. Stetson's excellent letter in yesterday's The Post. I applaud Mr. Stetson for his excellent comments. I am a retired faculty member who has served this university for more than 40 years and have known and have been closely associated with the men's cross country and track and field programs during this period.
Might I offer some facts about the former student-athletes of these programs. Donations and gifts from these former students over the years to my research and to undergraduate and graduate student support have been overwhelming. These athletes who have received so little financial help in comparison to the so-called revenue sport athletes are the ones who have given back with their money, time and excellent advice in order to strengthen one of the best exercise physiology programs in our country. Although many former football, basketball and baseball players have passed through my door during these many years, not one ' not a single one ' has contributed anything to assist in advancing or maintaining our academic program or research.
The competitors whose sports have been eliminated are the best that Ohio University sends out into the real world, and they are the ones who have and will continue to make us proud. It might be interesting to note that in the long run, the administration has possibly cut off its nose in spite of its face. The financial support for us over the years probably adds up to what it costs the athletic department to currently fund these sports. If it is really the money, then see what you are going to miss, OU. But more importantly, I am saddened that my younger colleagues will never have the opportunity to teach or advise these genuine student-athletes.Fritz Hagerman is a retired professor of physiology.
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Letter to the Editor
