University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics David Blackburn announced the Mocs will no longer participate in men’s indoor and outdoor track and field and are limiting participation in men’s cross country after the end of the 2014-15 season.
“This was a very difficult decision,” said Mr. Blackburn. “You never want to cut a program, but based on our current Title IX situation and the current financial climate, it was a decision that had to be made.”
The Mocs are nearing the end of a five-year Title IX process, aimed at bringing the program in compliance with the federal law.
“We carefully examined every possible option,” said Mr. Blackburn. “It is clear that we are not in a position to add a sport, so we looked at ways to move toward compliance with Title IX that affected the least amount of people.”
“Eliminating the men’s indoor and outdoor track programs is unfortunate for those student-athletes, but it affects the fewest number of individuals. We will honor all of their scholarships through graduation and we are not eliminating any coaching positions.”
The team will compete in both the indoor and outdoor seasons this semester.
Members of the men’s track & field and cross country programs are free to transfer to any NCAA Division I school and be eligible after the 2014-15 season. The Athletics Department will assist with the transfer process for any student-athlete wishing to compete at another institution.