According to the school’s president, the University of South Carolina’s swimming programs may be in trouble
President of the University of South Carolina School Robert Caslen the warning bell that cutting sports to save finances during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic is not out of the question. At a board of trustees meeting on Tuesday, there were discussions about cutting sports, that is, men’s soccer, men’s and women’s swimming, and diving and equestrian, according to a report by The state in Columbia, South Carolina. Caslen noted that cutting sports is not a preferred option, but it can come into play.
“If we can preserve these teams, my wish is because of the kindness they offer to our student athletes, we would like to do that. There are unintended consequences, such as cutting paths for professional or Olympic sports, ”said Caslen. “I believe (not cut) the right thing to do. In the end, we may have to do this. “
The University of South Carolina opened the year with a deficit of $ 40 million. With football attendance being one of their main sources of funds, and with limited fans in each game this season, the budget has suffered a blow, as has athletics departments across the country.
Eight Division I schools eliminated swimming and diving during this off-season, including East Carolina, Connecticut, Boise State, Dartmouth, Iowa, William & Mary, La Salle and Michigan State.
William & Mary have already reversed their decision and will bring swimming and diving back, but Olympic sports found themselves in a difficult situation in this off-season, during one of the most difficult financial times. 60 minutes published an article on December 6 about the cut in Olympic sports because of the financial problems of the pandemic it caused. The President of the University of South Carolina, Caslen, hoped that the suggested sports would not have the same fate as other Division I schools have decided.
“What is the difference between a diver on the 10-meter springboard ready to make a triple jump than the full-back of the Gamecock football team? ‘”Said Caslen. “She is using her talent to improve herself, her future. She is learning from her talents. She is doing this for the team, the university and the community. Why would we want to deprive you of this tremendous opportunity? This is true for any sport and any athlete out there. “
Last season, the University of South Carolina qualified five female swimmers and two male swimmers for the NCAA championships before the competition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gamecocks are trained by McGee Moody and celebrated a SEC title last season of the senior Itay Goldfaden in the 100 breaststroke. South Carolina also had three former swimmers competing in the International Swimming League this season in Emma Barksdale, Brandonn Almeida and Tom Peribonio.