'What's the data behind this decision?' Petition started to save program after Quinnipiac Univ. eliminates D1 women's rugby
In addition to dropping the women's rugby team down to club level, the university said it would be adding men's distance running to its track teams.
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Former Quinnipiac athletes, alumni and current students are demanding answers after the school announced it would drop the division one varsity women's rugby program down to club level.
Former bobcats assistant coach Colleen Carr started a petition to reinstate the program which has won three national titles in its history.
The petition racked up more than 10,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.
"I think it really showcases the support," Carr says, "that's behind this type of program."
In addition to dropping the women's rugby team down to club level, the university said it would be adding men's distance running to its track teams.
A move that Carr calls extremely confusing.
"What is the data behind this decision?" Carr asks. "Why did they want to cut specifically women's rugby over any other programs? Why only women's rugby, while at the same time adding another program for the men?"
The school cited "strategic realignment" and "Title IX compliance" as reasons for the move.
"These decisions are never easy," says Greg Amodio, director. "But they are essential to ensuring that Quinnipiac Athletics remains equitable, competitive, and sustainable for the long term.”
Current students called it heartbreaking.
"I definitely feel for the girls and feel bad for them," student Sophia Remo says. "It's just so shocking."
"Women on the rugby team," student Ben Rossics says, "It's really upturned their lives because they've dedicated themselves to becoming a D-I team and now they're demoted."
Meantime Carr is hoping the university will reconsider, and hopefully overturn the decision.
"This is a time for growth and for support," Carr says. "You should be excited and taking advantage of that investment and that opportunity and those eyes on the program, but it seems like it's going in the opposite direction which is really unfortunate."
