A prime and ridiculous example of this is what is happening with their recent proposal to cut three sports programs, as they try to save money. Men's gymnastics, and men's and women's golf are the programs on the chopping block, while one that is conspicuously being left alone is women's crew, a sport that was added two years ago with the primary purpose of giving women as many sports opportunities as men.
This is strictly by-the-book stuff, with no heed to common sense. Had they let common sense get in their way, in these tough economic times, they would never have added a program that virtually no one was asking for. How many girls or boys grow up with crew in Minnesota? Pretty close to zero.
Please forget the by-the-book stuff this time. Get rid of crew. Then maybe a women's or men's sports program with a long and rich tradition at the University of Minnesota can be spared.
Pat Ruff
pruff@postbulletin.com
