Lindenwood to Cut Programs including Mens Track & Field

On Dec. 1, the school announced the 'difficult decision' to cut 10 athletic programs after this academic school year. The change was made due to department sustainability and aligning the school's high-quality academic and athletic experiences, according to a press release.

The athletic teams being discontinued are:

"Today, and for the near future, it will be challenging as the decision to better align our athletics department with our peers also results in many of our student-athletes learning that they will no longer be able to compete in the sport they love while at Lindenwood," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer. "As an Athletics Director, this is not a decision you ever want to have to make. Unfortunately, it is critical for the long-term sustainability of the department. I understand there will be considerable hurt felt by the ten teams impacted as well as by our staff and coaches."

"While I cannot erase that hurt, I will continue to do everything possible to give our impacted teams and coaches the best experience possible for the remainder of their respective seasons. Our staff will also be committed to assisting impacted student-athletes who are looking at the options they have available, including remaining at Lindenwood on their scholarships or entering the transfer portal to find a new opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers."

 Lindenwood joined the Ohio Valley Conference in the fall of 2022, which came after spending time at Division II. The St. Charles school joined Division II in the 2013-14 season, joining the MIAA after transition from NAIA.

At the time, Lindenwood had 29 sports at the NCAA level. 

The men's track and field team had nearly 30 athletes, while the women's program had more than 30.

In addition to the programs being cut, nine filled positions will also be eliminated.