Comments on: Kesey’s Oregon wrestling team gone

By: Michele

Michele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:05:26 +0000

Niche sports for women aren’t being eliminated b/c they don’t exist in the first place. Hence the need for Title IX. If there was a glut of both men’s and women’s sports, there could be an argument made for trimming back both men’s and women’s sports.

But, there aren’t. There is a real lack of opportunities for women’s sports. Women’s sports and athletic programs only exist b/c of Title IX. If this forces some of the smaller men’s sports to be cancelled, then so be it. Seems fair to maintain a similar number of sports for both men and women.

I’m in favor of providing athletic opportunities for women.

By: Melvin H.

Melvin H. — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:44:35 +0000

Uh, Michele . . . how many women’s sports at how many universities could ALSO be “not self-funded”, and by your logic be eliminated?

It is not just at Oregon, nor is it just men’s wrestling–look at the number of track, cross-country, golf, baseball, wrestling, swimming/diving, gymnastics, etc. men’s teams have been eliminated (largely due to the “first prong” test of Title IX) over the years.

By: Michele

Michele — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:46:58 +0000

I don’t see the sad story…. I’m in favor of programs which encourage development of athletic programs to attract and appeal to the interests of woemn.

The way this was presented, it seems that wrestling is a marginal sport, and not self funded, so loss of the sport is not surprising. Why it should be funded instead of sports which provide involventment for women athletes isn’t clear – the article only seems to cite tradition.

I am in favor of developing new athletic opportunities that meet the interests and needs of women, and delighted that Title IX exists, b/c otherwise these opportunites would clearly not be pursued.