MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Central Michigan on Tuesday discontinued its men’s track and field program, citing university-wide budget cuts.
The decision affects both indoor and outdoor track. Athletic director Michael Alford said the school is facing “a new financial reality” because of enrollment challenges and the coronavirus crisis.
The total operating expenses for Central Michigan men's track and field and cross country combined was $761,825 in the 2018-19 fiscal year, according to USA Today. Men’s cross country has not been cut by the school.
The move dropped CMU to 16 athletic programs, which is the number to remain in NCAA Division I. CMU now has five men’s teams, which is one below the Division I required minimum.
Scholarships for current men’s track athletes, including for new students this fall, will be honored for as long as they're enrolled at CMU. Athletes can also transfer immediately if they choose.
“My heart goes out to these student-athletes. I know this is incredibly difficult for them,” Alford said. “We hope they continue their academic journeys at Central Michigan, but also wish them the best if they’re able to continue athletic pursuits elsewhere.”
Elsewhere in the Mid-American Conference, Akron is cutting women’s tennis and men’s cross country and golf, and Bowling Green has dropped baseball.
Eastern Michigan coaches take pay cut: Eastern Michigan’s football and basketball coaches are set to take a seven percent salary cut as the athletic department tries to deal with the budget impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Athletic director Scott Wetherbee announced the salary reductions, which will also apply to him and school President James Smith. Football coach Chris Creighton, men’s basketball coach Rob Murphy, and women’s basketball coach Fred Castro will be affected by the seven percent cuts.
EMU also says approximately 70 coaches and staff will participate in the Work Share program offered through the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. They’ll have their work hours reduced by 40 percent.
The school says the Work Share program allows EMU to reduce work hours while allowing employees to obtain unemployment benefits.
First Published May 19, 2020, 7:51 p.m.
