To the editor:
The recent decision to eliminate the men's swimming and tennis programs at the University of Kansas has been very difficult for at least one Kansas family.
My son, Kyle, was a member of that team. It had been his life long dream to go to the University of Kansas. To be able to be a recruited member of the swim team was a dream come true. Before we decided on the University of Kansas, we asked about the possibility of something like this happening. We were assured by the athletic department (and we have it in writing) that the men's swim team was on solid ground within the department.
Isn't it funny, we ask our student athletes to follow strict guidelines regarding their efforts and conduct for the University of Kansas, but when it came to being honest with an athlete, we can't even be honest with them. Seems hypocritical doesn't it?
In one quick action, my son's dreams were ripped away from him by simply crossing through one line item in the budget. Poof! You're gone! The swim team was never given the opportunity to rally support. Never given the opportunity to try raise the support to save something these kids have worked nearly all their lives for. They didn't see it coming. And it came fast and final.
Dr. Frederick and Chancellor Hemenway, have you thouroughly thought out exactly how much this move will actually save the university? Keep in mind that none of the members of the swim team were on full scholarships. That means that everyone on that team paid at least part of tuition and room and board and other expenses. All of that will leave the University of Kansas and go to another university. You save...and you lose.
The State of Kansas loses too. First of all, the state loses the money from these kids. But that may not be the most important thing. The state of Kansas loses some bright young minds. Kids who, after graduation, may have stayed here in the state to live, work and pay taxes, now they're gone. Probably never to come back. Everyone I talk to thinks this action is a real shame. I wish you could see what it's done to the kids. Dr. Frederick and Chancellor Hemenway. There are faces and lives attached to those numbers. And you never gave them a chance.
Mark Ediger,
Junction City
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