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Earlier today, Brown University announced that they will be cutting their men's indoor track and field program, men's outdoor track and field program and men's cross country program. Those sports -- along with eight other teams at Brown -- will be transitioning to "club" status according to the initiative.
Brown is now the only Ivy League team that does not sponsor a men's track and field or cross country program. The women's cross country and track and field programs are expected to remain.
The university joins Akron, Central Michigan, Florida International and Appalachian State among schools that have recently cut a men's track and field or cross country program.
It should be noted that the decision made by the university is not related to the Coronavirus pandemic. Below is an excerpt from the announcement...
Paxson noted that while some universities have reduced athletics programs in the wake of COVID-19, Brown's initiative is not a measure to reduce budget or an effort to contend with the financial impact of the pandemic. Rather, it's an opportunity to invest further in advancing excellence in Brown's full lineup of sports programs.
By maintaining the current operating budget for athletics and the same number of varsity recruits, Brown's full suite of athletics programs will recognize the robust athletic interests and abilities of all student-athletes and provide a wide group of students a comprehensive set of opportunities for competitive play at both the varsity and club levels.
The university also noted that in the decade ending in 2018, Brown University "earned 2.8% of Ivy League titles, the lowest among member schools."