Davidson Track Athletes Respond to Richmond Sports Cuts

We were very disappointed to hear the recent news that the University of Richmond is terminating its men's soccer and track and field programs.

Although we were saddened by the fate of both programs, we can only speak directly to this decision's impact on the cross country and track teams. As upperclassmen cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field athletes at Davidson College, we have competed against your school on multiple occasions. In fact, we had the pleasure of racing against your team Friday at the Charlotte Invitational. As in past competitions, we were immensely impressed by the character and commitment of Richmond's athletes. They are truly an outstanding credit to your institution.

By cutting this program, you are hurting not only these athletes, but Richmond, as well. You are robbing the track and field athletes of their opportunity to represent your school at the highest level of competition and consequently, you are preventing them from elevating the university's reputation.

Moreover, we would like to respond to critics who have noted that only the university's cross country team has been truly exceptional. There is an indivisible relationship between a school's cross country and track programs. It is impossible to recruit at the highest level without both, because no runner would only want to compete "part-time."

We are confident that if you look at other schools that only have a cross country or track program, you will see a lower level of performance. Regardless of your intention to only cut two programs, you are effectively destroying three.

To make matters worse, these athletes have done nothing but excel academically and athletically without any serious scholarship money. These athletes have sacrificed so much for the university and have only asked to be allowed to compete as Richmond Spiders.

It takes a special kind of person to compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics and to excel under a full course load, while having no financial incentive. By cutting the track and field program, you are driving this type of student away from Richmond. It is a shame for the program, the sport and the school.

We understand that there were many factors to consider in this decision, but we would simply appreciate your re-evaluation of the value provided by these athletes.