To Ohio University leaders,
I know I am not alone in expressing my concern of Ohio University's recent decision to cut the women's lacrosse, men's swimming and diving and men's indoor and outdoor track and field programs from the athletic department. As a former Ohio lacrosse player from 1999 through 2002, I am extremely disappointed by not only the decision, but also the way in which it was made.
From what I do understand, Title IX was one of the reasons the women's lacrosse program was reinstated at Ohio University after almost a 20-year hiatus. Unfortunately now, Title IX is also one of the reasons being cited for its dissolution. It is clear that this law is no longer working as it was intended. Fortunately, though, there are three ways in which a university can stay compliant with the law; Ohio University only considered one of those ways before deciding to dissolve four of its athletic programs. Were the alternative tests of compliance to Title IX ever considered?
In addition to its compliance with Title IX, the university also stated the athletic department's $4 million financial deficit as a reason for cutting these sports programs. How did the university get into this deficit? Were the current athletes and coaches aware of the financial distress of the department? What was being done to prevent the growing deficit? Why was the problem not addressed sooner to avoid the unfortunate situation that occurred last week?
Why were the current athletes, or even the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, not consulted in the decision that consisted of hundreds of hours of comprehensive research (according to Kirby Hocutt in a January 25 Post article)? As a former athlete, I can't imagine being treated with such disregard. I can understand the betrayal, frustration and confusion the current athletes must feel after representing their university with dedication, pride and commitment, only to find out one day that the university has decided to dissolve the program without seeking the opinions, thoughts or concerns of those directly affected.
Specifically, I am most concerned with those athletes who were recruited to play at Ohio, who signed letters of intent committing to represent the school in their respective sports for four years. Mr. Hocutt stated, We will accept nothing short of providing all of our student-athletes with a positive environment to achieve their academic and athletic aspirations. If this is, in fact, true, the university should seriously consider what kind of experience it is creating for these student-athletes for the remainder of this year at Ohio University and their future careers. This is a decision that does not just affect the financial and compliant state of the university, but the actual lives of athletes and coaches; athletes who chose Ohio over other schools, other scholarship offers and whose future athletic and academic careers are greatly affected by their decision to attend Ohio University. Why was a phase-out program not considered to allow these athletes to complete their collegiate career at Ohio, as outlined in their letters of intent?
I think what is most disappointing and heartbreaking to me about this recent decision is the fact that future athletes in these sports will not have the opportunity to compete at Ohio University. My experience at Ohio as a student-athlete was invaluable in terms of the friendships I gained, the leadership skills I learned, the confidence I grew and the discipline I practiced. I feel grateful that I can always reflect back on my rewarding, fun and challenging experience there and no one can take that away from me. However, as a pioneer of the inaugural season of the reinstated lacrosse program, I feel betrayed that all of the time, work and heart my fellow teammates and I contributed to building the program and growing the sport at Ohio University is being disregarded. Most of all, I am frustrated that I was never given the opportunity to voice opinions about this decision. I expected more from the university and its athletic department.
Unfortunately, this affects my impression of Ohio University and my current opinions about not only the athletic department, but the university as a whole. I can no longer say with confidence and honesty that I plan on supporting my alma mater in the future, whether it is financially, athletically or academically. And I am sure I am not the only alumna, parent or student who feels this way. Reconsidering this decision could prevent the university from losing valuable support.
In the best interest of the current student-athletes, coaches, supporters and alumni of Ohio University, I urge you to reconsider this swift and faulty decision. Involve those directly affected to seek out alternative solutions to the issues at hand. Let them ask questions, listen to their suggestions and be open to alternative ways of approaching the issues. I believe a decision is never final and that reconsidering these decisions in an ethical, open and honest way can save the university from the poor image it is achieving.
Megan L. Sanders, Ohio Women's Lacrosse 1999-2002
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Letter to the Editor
