UT-Chattanooga drops men’s track program

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga has axed its men’s track programs, effective at the end of the season.

Athletic Director David Blackburn made the announcement Jan. 27, calling the move an effort to help the university comply with Title IX.

From the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

“Why men’s track?” Blackburn said. “It affected the fewest number of individuals, but maximized the discrepancy because track counts three ways — indoor, outdoor and cross country.”

All of the current indoor and outdoor men’s track athletes will be allowed to keep their current aid packages through graduation, or have the opportunity to transfer to another Division I program and be eligible in the fall.

Head track coach Bill Gautier and assistant Anneli Morrison will continue their jobs with the women’s track program and the cross country teams.

UT-Chattanooga has been trying for some time to meet Title IX requirements. The Times Free Press published this article in 2012 detailing the school’s five-year plan to become compliant.

Blackburn said this latest decision doesn’t put the program completely in line with Title IX, but it helps move it forward. It sounds likely more changes are on the horizon.