Let's Save Gustavus Nordic

Last week, Gustavus College cut their varsity nordic skiing program with no warning, claiming that because the sport is not sponsored by the MIAC (Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), the school has decided to allocate funds and resources toward the sports that do compete in the MIAC. 

For those of you that aren't from Central Region, the nordic ski teams compete in a conference called the CCSA (Central Collegiate Ski Association) which was formed once the MIAC discontinued its sponsorship of nordic skiing in 2004-05 due to low numbers of schools with nordic teams. Competing in the CCSA is what qualifies us for NCAAs, just like the MIAC for other sports in Minnesota. 

With Gustavus choosing to cut their nordic program, there are now only two colleges in Minnesota with varsity nordic programs (St. Olaf College and the College of St. Scholastica), and only seven varsity programs in the Central Region.

After the performances put on by Central in NCAAs this year, we have proved that we as a region are on the same competitive level as the East and West teams. To see such a successful team in our region be cut not only pulls out our empathy but also frustration. The dwindling numbers of teams in the Midwest (a seemingly perfect location to train and compete) could mean eventual downfall for the Central Region. Not only does the Gustavus team suffer in this situation, but so does collegiate and Midwest skiing.  The Gustavus program played a large role in developing the junior skiers of the Midwest, and offered a special combination of athletics and high-quality academics to graduating high school seniors.  Losing their team also means that more of the talent produced and fostered in the Midwest may "head for the hills" when they graduate.  

It is unfathomable to imagine what we as St. Olaf skiers would do if our program was pulled out from under us, and our hearts go out to the Gustavus skiers. They are incredibly hard workers, fast skiers, and passionate athletes, as well as great people and students. We ask other athletes and alumni of all sports and schools to imagine if something you worked 500 hours a year for and invested your life and soul into, just disappeared one day.

Let's save Gustavus nordic and with it, Midwest skiing. Please sign this petition to show your support, and consider respectfully emailing one of the addresses below to overturn the decision. 

Tom Brown, Athletic Director brownie@gustavus.edu
George Hicks, Trustee GACtrustee@gustavus.edu
President Ohle, President president@gustavus.edu