Nebraska, Iowa State Deny They Plan to Cut Men’s Swimming: Kansas Students Fight Back

By Phillip Whitten

March 7. IN the aftermath of the shocking decision by the University of Kansas to ax its men's swimming and diving team, rumors were rife that other Big-12 schools might follow suit. Nebraska, where irregularities resulted in the entire coaching staff being placed on suspension this season, and Iowa State were thought to be next on the chopping block.

Fortunately, authorities at both schools strongly denied there was any truth to the rumors.

At the University of Nebraska, a spokesman from the Sports Information Department, speaking for the school's Athletic Director, had this to say: "We always take a hard look at every item on our budget, but there has been no talk of any kind about cutting the swimming program."

Trip Hedrick, head coach at Iowa State, which almost lost its program after the 1994-95 season, commented:
"Iowa State is on solid ground. It's unfortunate that there’s been speculation by association, but there's absolutely no reason to believe the Cyclones are in danger of being cut."

We were unable to reach any Big-12 athletic directors,
who are attending the Big-12 basketball conference tournament.

Meanwhile, student-athletes and students, coaches and alumni at the University of Kansas are organizing quickly to rescue their program. We will report in detail on their efforts tomorrow and in the coming weeks.

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