Michigan State Swimming and Diving Supporters to Hold On-Campus Rally Saturday

Photo Courtesy: Michigan State Athletics

The Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive group will host a rally Saturday morning on the Michigan State campus to protest the university’s decision to cut its men’s and women’s swim teams.

The rally will start at 11 a.m. outside of the I.M. West building. It will include signs representing all 66 members of the men’s and women’s teams directly affected by the cuts this year, as well as tents showcasing the history of the program. The protest will coincide with the spring football game at Spartan Stadium, and an aerial display is planned.

“We are holding the rally to draw attention to the fact that the administration still hasn’t responded to basic questions about why the program was cut and why they won’t explore options to engage our group for support moving forward,” said Tom Munley, a member of the men’s team from 1992-96, in a statement. “MSU is on the cusp of throwing away 99 years of tradition and academic excellence on the word of an AD with no practical athletic experience.”

Members of the Battle group will be handing out fliers sharing information about the cuts and targeting what they see as disingenuous reasons given by athletic director Bill Beekman and other administrators. The group has gotten support from members of the university’s board of trustees and is seeking a chance to formally present its case.

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Elizabeth Wooden

2 years ago

I’d like to support your efforts anyway I can.
My daughter swims for University of Iowa, so I know first hand the pain of what the swimmers are going through.