Virginia associate head swim coach Tyler Fenwick, a William & Mary alum, commented on the recent decision to cut seven sports at William & Mary, including swimming and diving. Fenwick, who swam for the Tribe from 1999 – 2004, wrote a heartfelt response to the heartbreaking news in a tweet that can be seen below.
A petition has already been started to save the seven sports affected and has already amassed over 10,000 signatures since the decision to cut the sports came on Thursday afternoon. William & Mary will also be cutting men’s and women’s gymnastics; men’s indoor and outdoor track & field; and women’s volleyball.
Tyler Fenwick received his Bachelor’s degree in English from William & Mary and was a member of the Dean’s List.
The college pledged to honor all current athletic scholarships of those affected through their scheduled graduation at William & Mary, according to the release. Those wishing to transfer will have the full support of the university.
Impacted coaches will be able to complete their current appointments.
118 student-athletes and 13 coaches have been affected by the decision as the school is estimating it will save $3.66 million.
This marks the sixth Division I school to lose its swimming and diving team this off-season, joining the likes of East Carolina, Connecticut, Boise State, Dartmouth and Iowa in getting their swim team cut to ease the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.William & Mary men’s swimming has won six straight conference titles in the CAA, as this past season culminated with Colin Wright making the NCAA Championships in the 50, 100 & 200 freestyle, becoming the first Tribe swimmer since 1963 to make the meet. On the women’s side, the Tribe finished second at this year’s CAA Championships as they last won the title in 2017.
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Michael Tine
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