I was shocked to read that BGSU will eliminate its men’s indoor and outdoor track teams in order to comply with Title IX.

First, I was surprised because no attempt was made by BGSU to save the programs by fund raising. A former trackster at BG, I continue to be heavily involved in the program. No attempt was made to raise funds from people like me, one of their biggest fans. The BG track alumni organization was never contacted. The people most likely to open their checkbooks in order to save the program were simply ignored.

Second, I was surprised because I know that BG will not technically reap any scholarship savings from this move, as they will continue to field a cross-country team. The NCAA’s scholarship limits in these sports are for indoor and outdoor track and cross country combined! BG will simply set a lower limit for its cross country team than the NCAA maximum, something it could have done while still fielding a team.

Third, I was surprised that only nine years after the Perry Fieldhouse was built, half of its tenants will be removed – even while the students are still paying for it in their general fees.

And finally, I was surprised that an institution that has made an effort to be racially progressive eliminated the only black head coach in the history of the school.

All BG students, and track fans in general, should contact athletic director Paul Krebs and president Sidney Ribeau to let them know what a foolish mistake has been made.