Universities across the nation are cutting Olympic sports programs as a last-ditch effort to save money. For athletes, this loss is much more than a cancelled collegiate career.<\/p>\n

Clemson University Men’s Track and Field alumnus Darron Coley<\/a> speaks on the shocking reality of the cutting of the men’s track and field and cross country programs. He says, \u201cAll those friendships and relationships you’ve been able to create? They’re gone.<\/strong> All these people that you see walking around in the athletic facilities and tutoring rooms? Cancel them out. They’re gone.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ridding of these programs is ridding of the opportunity to earn a college degree<\/strong> for many athletes.<\/p>\n

After the announcement to discontinue the teams, Clemson released a statement<\/a> saying the university would continue paying out<\/strong> the scholarships of current athletes and offer help to those who wish to transfer. As for the future college commits, they are left stranded with no scholarship, no team,<\/strong> and no opportunity<\/strong> to further their education.<\/p>\n

Coley credits his education<\/strong> to his college career. He says, \u201cI had never been in the state of South Carolina until my official visit to Clemson. I never<\/strong> would have ended up here had it not been for the track and field team and for coach Elliott giving me a shot to run on the program.\u201d<\/p>\n