We as a team were blind-sided by this decision. We had no prior knowledge of this and were absolutely shocked by this decision. The way the team was informed was rude and disrespectful of the feelings of the team.The athletics department said that we did not fit into the "future plans of our school" and in addition, the decision "was not about money." It was not because of the performance of the team, the strength of us as students, or how we benefit the campus in general, only because of the "interests of the college."
Three years ago, it was Saint John's University/ College of Saint Benedict. Now it is Gustavus. Who is next? This is a short-sighted decision by the college because skiing is such a valuable, life-long sport.
We as skiers, students, and friends, ask the whole ski community to sign this petition to show how valued collegiate skiing is around the area, or even the world. We appreciate your support and ask to spread the word.
Updates
April 2, 2014
Twenty-five hundred people have now told the Gustavus administration that gutting our varsity program is a disgrace. The athletic department thinks they can just sweep us aside without a fight but they clearly underestimated how many people find their cowardice unacceptable.
Reached 2,500 supporters
March 31, 2014
March 29, 2014
The Gustavus administration thinks they can sweep us under the rug but the numbers are proving them wrong. We need to hit 2,500 signatures before we confront these cowards again. Get this to everyone you know immediately so we can shove it in their faces.
March 29, 2014
The athletics department is still hiding behind vague talk about future plans while refusing to answer for the way they blindsided us. Their silence is a pathetic attempt to wait us out but we are not going anywhere.
Reached 1,000 supporters
March 27, 2014
Reached 100 supporters
March 27, 2014
658 Comments
our neighbor and friend had a successful college career at Gustavus, graduating in 2011. She was attracted to the school's ski program and skied all 4 years. Generally nordic skiers are excellent students. you may lose out on a group of prospective students.
If there was a clear cut, logical reason to do this, I would accept this. Gustavus, as an alum, all I ask for is transparency behind your decisions. Skiing is a wonderful, worthwhile competitive venture, do not deprive future Gusties that experience.
Nordic skiing is a nordic tradition and we are a university with a strong scandinavian heritage. How could we maintain that if we take away an integral part of our past? The nordic team is a vibrant community that the following generations deserve.
We have had two children graduate from Gustavus, and now were proud to have a grandson become a Gustie. We also were our church representatives for a number of years . Please do not remove Nordic Skiing as a competitive sport, and crush his dreams. Nordic skkio
Sickening that they said that this program doesn't fit into the "future plans of our school." How is that up to them to decide? Really disappointed in this hopefully hastily-made decision and the manner in which they addressed fellow Gustavus athletes.
Edina Nordic believes in you!
*runner
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We as a team were blind-sided by this decision. We had no prior knowledge of this and were absolutely shocked by this decision. The way the team was informed was rude and disrespectful of the feelings of the team.The athletics department said that we did not fit into the "future plans of our school" and in addition, the decision "was not about money." It was not because of the performance of the team, the strength of us as students, or how we benefit the campus in general, only because of the "interests of the college."
Three years ago, it was Saint John's University/ College of Saint Benedict. Now it is Gustavus. Who is next? This is a short-sighted decision by the college because skiing is such a valuable, life-long sport.
We as skiers, students, and friends, ask the whole ski community to sign this petition to show how valued collegiate skiing is around the area, or even the world. We appreciate your support and ask to spread the word.
Updates
April 2, 2014
Twenty-five hundred people have now told the Gustavus administration that gutting our varsity program is a disgrace. The athletic department thinks they can just sweep us aside without a fight but they clearly underestimated how many people find their cowardice unacceptable.
Reached 2,500 supporters
March 31, 2014
March 29, 2014
The Gustavus administration thinks they can sweep us under the rug but the numbers are proving them wrong. We need to hit 2,500 signatures before we confront these cowards again. Get this to everyone you know immediately so we can shove it in their faces.
March 29, 2014
The athletics department is still hiding behind vague talk about future plans while refusing to answer for the way they blindsided us. Their silence is a pathetic attempt to wait us out but we are not going anywhere.
Reached 1,000 supporters
March 27, 2014
Reached 100 supporters
March 27, 2014
658 Comments
My college sports experience shaped me to be the person I am today. My teammates became family, and coaches mentors and competition and improving my passion. That should not be taken away, like it has to anybody in the Gustavus family and community
our neighbor and friend had a successful college career at Gustavus, graduating in 2011. She was attracted to the school's ski program and skied all 4 years. Generally nordic skiers are excellent students. you may lose out on a group of prospective students.
If there was a clear cut, logical reason to do this, I would accept this. Gustavus, as an alum, all I ask for is transparency behind your decisions. Skiing is a wonderful, worthwhile competitive venture, do not deprive future Gusties that experience.
Nordic skiing is a nordic tradition and we are a university with a strong scandinavian heritage. How could we maintain that if we take away an integral part of our past? The nordic team is a vibrant community that the following generations deserve.
We have had two children graduate from Gustavus, and now were proud to have a grandson become a Gustie. We also were our church representatives for a number of years . Please do not remove Nordic Skiing as a competitive sport, and crush his dreams. Nordic skkio
Sickening that they said that this program doesn't fit into the "future plans of our school." How is that up to them to decide? Really disappointed in this hopefully hastily-made decision and the manner in which they addressed fellow Gustavus athletes.
Edina Nordic believes in you!
*runner
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My college sports experience shaped me to be the person I am today. My teammates became family, and coaches mentors and competition and improving my passion. That should not be taken away, like it has to anybody in the Gustavus family and community