Michigan State athletic director Bill Beekman informed the swimming & diving team the 2020-21 season will be the last.
[jwplayer Csm3J5fS]
On Thursday, the Michigan State athletics department and athletic director Bill Beekman informed the Michigan State swimming and diving team that they would discontinue the sport after the 2020-21 season.
Ultimately, this was a decision forced by the financial crisis caused by COVID-19. According to the statement, MSU is projected to fall $30 million short of its original revenue projections for the year.
The meeting Beekman held with the team was reportedly very emotional, understandably. Michigan State will offer counseling and mental health services for student-athletes who find it helpful.
Contracts for all coaches will be honored through June 30, 2021.
After the news broke, I spoke to former Michigan State swimmers Marcella Steffes (2010-15), Kyle Workman (2011-15), and John Letarte (2013).
Marcella Steffes:
Being part of the MSU program was so much more than a just swim team. It taught me how to mentally persevere, how to be a leader, & how to believe in myself. This program helped me grow into the woman I am today by demanding the best of me when I didn’t think it was possible. If it weren’t for swimming, I wouldn’t have attended MSU & gone on to meet some of my best friends, and the greatest mentors in my life. Those individuals were my family away from home. They even introduced me to the network within the packaging industry, which directly ties to where I work today. I am forever indebted to the program.”
Kyle Workman:
“The swim team afforded me an education and gave me some of the best people and friends of my life. It is unfortunate that this tradition will not live on longer.”
John Letarte:
“I only swam for two months, but in those two months and for the years following, I made amazing friends and got to see all of them compete for our school. It’s sad to see it end in such a neglectful fashion.”
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]
