Cal Poly Cuts Swim Program, Leaving Athletes Anxious

News Summary

Cal Poly has made the unexpected decision to cut its swim program, creating uncertainty for committed high school swimmers from San Diego. The abrupt announcement, communicated by the Athletic Director, follows a historic season with the men’s team going undefeated. Athletes like Chloe Quarles and Kale Lozano, who had aspirations to swim for Cal Poly, now face an uncertain future. Supporters have launched a campaign to fight for the program’s reinstatement as hopes for preserving their dreams hang in the balance.

Cal Poly Cuts Swim Program, Leaves Committed High School Swimmers in Limbo

In a surprising turn of events, Cal Poly decided to cut its swim program, leaving high school swimmers, especially those from San Diego, feeling anxious about their futures. The decision came out of the blue on a Friday, leaving many in disbelief.

Dreams on Hold

Take, for instance, Chloe Quarles, a senior star swimmer from Coronado High School. After turning down offers from five other universities, Chloe was all set to realize her dream at Cal Poly. She was thrilled about competing at an elite level and looked forward to taking her talent to new heights. Now, that excitement has been replaced by uncertainty.

Another swimmer, Kale Lozano, from Torrey Pines High School, also hoped to join Cal Poly and had reached out to the university, eager to showcase his skills. For him, swimming isn’t just a hobby; it’s a defining aspect of his life. The abrupt announcement caught him off guard; he initially couldn’t believe it until he saw confirmation on Cal Poly’s official site.

Historic Season Cut Short

It’s even more heartbreaking considering that the swim program wrapped up a remarkable season. The men’s team went undefeated in dual meets, culminating in a remarkable display of talent and teamwork. To top it off, their coach received accolades as the Big West Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year, highlighting the program’s bright future until this unfortunate decision struck.

The Big Decision

The news about the program’s termination did not just come out randomly; it was communicated in a meeting by Cal Poly’s Athletic Director, leaving athletes in shock. In prior months, reassurances were given that cutting sports would be a last resort. However, President Jeffrey Armstrong described the decision as “unavoidable,” citing financial hurdles linked to a legal settlement concerning student-athletes’ NIL rights. This setback led to projections of losses amounting to at least $450,000 per year.

The swim and dive program was unique in this wave of cuts; it stands as the only sport affected, with no other programs mentioned at risk of being discontinued. The implications of this decision raise questions not only for current athletes but for the university’s sporting culture as a whole.

Committed but Disheartened

Chloe’s sentiments resonate deeply with many; she has dedicated years to honing her skills and fears that all that hard work may now go down the drain. While she still has the chance to attend Cal Poly, the cut to her sport leaves an indelible mark on her ambitions.

Fighting Back

In response, concerned students and supporters quickly rallied to take action. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched, setting a goal of $200,000 aimed at saving the program. Meanwhile, a petition advocating for the reinstatement of the swim program has already garnered nearly 20,000 signatures, proving that there is significant support behind these athletes.

The Road Ahead

Team captains are not taking this lying down; they’ve arranged to meet with President Armstrong later this week to explore potential funding avenues that could help save the program. They aim to preserve not just a sport but also the dreams and aspirations of many young athletes who have invested their hearts into swimming.

The future of the swim program remains unclear despite concerted efforts from athletes and supporters. Hope remains, but time is running out for those eager to see their dreams come true at Cal Poly.

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Additional Resources

• 10 News: Cal Poly Cuts Swim Program
• SwimSwam: Chloe Quarles Commits to Cal Poly
• UCSD Tritons: Men’s Basketball Win Over Cal Poly
• SwimSwam: Cal Poly Sweeps Fresno Pacific
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Swimming