College track and field is at a crossroads, facing challenges that threaten its very existence. These are not just the observations of concerned fans but a stark warning from Sam Seemes, the CEO of the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). In a recent address, Seemes outlined the existential threats facing the sport and called for immediate, transformative action. Here’s a breakdown of the key points he raised and what they mean for the future of college track and field.

The State of Crisis: Threats Facing the Sport

Seemes described college track and field as being “under siege,” and the threats are immediate and substantial:

• Vanishing Program Budgets: Many schools are reallocating funds to sports they deem more profitable.

• Reduced Scholarships and Coaching Positions: Fewer resources mean fewer opportunities for athletes and coaches.

• Program Eliminations: Entire programs are being cut, especially in Division I schools, as athletic departments prioritize other sports.

The core issue is value—or rather, the perceived lack of it. Track and field programs, despite their legacy and achievements, are struggling to justify their existence in an era dominated by revenue-driven athletics.

The Harsh Reality of Revenue and Value

One of the most alarming points Seemes raised is the financial inefficiency of track and field programs. Unlike football and basketball, which generate significant revenue through media rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, track and field programs typically operate at a loss. Even national championship-winning teams often fail to break even.

Consider this: many prestigious meets, like the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational, don’t even charge admission fees, making it difficult to generate revenue. Additionally, television broadcasts of track and field events draw minimal viewership compared to other sports.

Seemes acknowledged the sport’s contributions beyond finances, such as high graduation rates, diversity, and student-athlete participation. However, these metrics do little to sway the decision-makers in athletic departments focused solely on profit.

The Call for Change: Adapting to Survive

Seemes emphasized that the current model for track and field is unsustainable. The sport has remained largely unchanged for decades, with time-intensive meets and formats that fail to engage fans or generate excitement.

Potential Solutions

1. Streamlined Meets: Shorten meet durations by reducing the number of events and participating teams.

2. Focus on Relays and Team Competitions: Events like the Penn Relays demonstrate the appeal of high-stakes, team-oriented track meets.

3. Leveraging Conferences and Regional Rankings: USTFCCCA’s regional rankings could be used to add significance to regular-season meets and build toward compelling conference championships.

4. Better Fan Engagement: Create clear narratives, dramatic moments, and stakes that matter to spectators. Without a dedicated fan base, the sport risks fading into obscurity.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Globally

College track and field’s decline has implications beyond the NCAA. The system serves as a pipeline for Olympic athletes worldwide. Many competitors who win Olympic medals first develop their talents in U.S. collegiate programs. Without these programs, the global track and field community—and the Olympics itself—could suffer.

The Future: A Community-Driven Solution

Seemes’s warning is clear: no external organization, not even USA Track & Field, will save college track and field. The responsibility falls on the track and field community to innovate and advocate for its survival.

The potential downfall of college track and field isn’t inevitable, but change must happen swiftly. By embracing new formats, focusing on fan engagement, and demonstrating value to athletic departments, the sport can secure its place in collegiate athletics.

As Seemes said, the choice is ours. If the community doesn’t act now, the window for change may close, leaving the sport relegated to history.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

College track and field stands at a critical juncture. The decisions made now will determine whether the sport thrives or disappears from the collegiate landscape. The stakes are high, but the opportunity for reinvention offers hope. For anyone who cares about the sport, the time to act is now.

Let’s ensure that the words “Track and Field” remain proudly displayed on college locker room doors for generations to come.

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD, RUN GOOD.

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