WSU cutting support for numerous track and field programs
EUGENE, OREGON - JUNE 6: Maribel Caicedo of the Washington State Cougars competes in the 100 meter hurdles during the Division I Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championship held at Hayward Field on June 6, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. (Isaac Wasserman / NCAA Photos / Getty Images)
Washington State University is eliminating support for all field events from their track and field programs, and reducing the opportunities for sprint and hurdle events as well, the school announced on Monday.
In a statement, the school said that leadership from the athletic department met with members of the teams on Monday to inform them of the decision. Per Greg Woods of The Spokesman-Review, the move will impact 30 athletes – 15 each from the men's and women's teams – as their events will no longer be supported.
The school is transitioning to what they call "a distance-focused approach."
"This change gives the WSU Track & Field program the best opportunity to remain competitive at the conference and national levels in distance events in cross-country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field," the statement said. "It does mean, however, that field events (e.g., jumps, throws) will no longer be supported, effective immediately, and the number of sprint and hurdle opportunities will be limited moving forward."
Washington State said they will honor the scholarships of the affected athletes if they elect to remain at the school despite the elimination of their sport. Additionally, support will be provided for athletes seeking to transfer to another school to continue their athletic careers.
The Source: Information in this story came from Washington State Athletics and The Spokesman-Review.
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