Bemidji State to Drop Men's Track Program

Bemidji State University will drop its men's indoor and outdoor track and field programs at the end of this season, University officials announced yesterday.

In the school's media release on the subject, HERE, Bemidji State Athletic Director Rick Goeb highlighted the financial situation the school finds itself in -- an expected $5-million shortfall in the next two years.

In the Bemidji Pioneer's story on the campus-wide cuts being made at Bemidji State, HERE, University President Richard Hanson said eliminating men's track and field had more to do with Title IX compliance than the budget shortfall.

The programs were targeted for elimination two years ago, but were given a temporary reprieve in late 2008, according to the Bemidji State release.

Current members of the BSU men’s track and field teams will have the opportunity to complete the current indoor and outdoor competition seasons. NCAA rules will allow Bemidji State athletes who wish to transfer to another school to be eligible immediately at the new institution.

Bemidji State will continue to offer women's indoor and outdoor track and field as well as cross country. Bemidji State does not offer men's cross country.