Sports
WSU track and field athletes facing program cuts, uncertain futures
The university announced on Monday that cuts to field events and limited spots for sprinting and hurdle events will be effective immediately. PULLMAN, Wash. — In an announcement sent on Monday, Washington State University told its track and field athletes that significant cuts are coming to track and field events, effective immediately. WSU said it […]
The university announced on Monday that cuts to field events and limited spots for sprinting and hurdle events will be effective immediately.
PULLMAN, Wash. — In an announcement sent on Monday, Washington State University told its track and field athletes that significant cuts are coming to track and field events, effective immediately.
WSU said it will focus on keeping distance events competitive, but other core events like sprints, throws, jumps and hurdles are being drastically scaled back or completely cut, leaving many athletes unsure of their future.
“I am going through a very quick transfer portal window. Umm…That I’m finding is extremely stressful,” said Ashley Willems, a sprinter at WSU.
Before the news of cuts, Willems says she had just one season left. Now, she has other factors to consider as she moves forward. Willems says she’s newly married, immersed in her master’s program and just signed an apartment lease in Pullman.
“I just feel bad mainly for the people coming in who put their trust in the program and really did like choose WSU over other prospects,” said Willems. “For me, I am kind of on my way out, so…I would have loved to spend it here.”
Another athlete, Riley Pyeatt, runs mid-distance and says she is lucky to still have her spot.
“I feel happy that I am safe, but then I have all these teammates that have to leave,” said Pyeatt. “I knew big things were going to change just in general with the new NCAA versus house settlement, with the roster changes and NIL, but we had no idea a program cut was going to happen.”
Pyeatt says she’s grateful she can stay, especially after transferring just a year ago from a small school in Texas, but says she’s uncertain about what next season will bring.
“We will probably be competitive in the distance side…But obviously will be lacking in other areas,” said Pyeatt.
WSU says that although cuts are effective immediately, scholarships will be honored for affected student athletes who remain on campus. The university is also providing transitional support for student athletes who want to continue their athletic and academic careers elsewhere.