First off, I feel for the athletes that had their programs cut by this decision. I hope that the efforts with the board are successful tonight.
But what only a few on here seem to recognize is that the root of the issue is what is track (and swimming and lacrosse for that matter) program contributing to the University, not just a swipefest of the football program, and football in general.
I agree that the real issue that needs to be solved here, is Title IX needing to be fixed, but lets put that aside for a minute.
Somebody on here previously brought up the point that track meets are just plain boring. Nothing is being done to create an experience around the sport itself.
I once read a book that had a section by Jim Morris, the U Miami baseball coach. He talked about when he started, nobody went to their games either. Of course, some might say that watching a baseball game is boring as well. So he had to get creative and started doing special promotions, like giving out trips to lucky fans, etc... to boost attendance. They worked. Again, keep in mind that all this effort was coming from the head coach of a top-tier D1 program.
I apologize in advance if I am ignorant to the specifics of what Ohio U tried, but has this kind of stuff been done there? What fundraising efforts have you done? Does your team have an annual marketing plan? Do all of your athletes perform visible community service? Have you ever thought about soliciting your alumni to create an endowment to protect your program? Of course, you want the focus to be on competing, but in this day in age, non-revenue sports need to put their heads together and do anything they can to become revenue sports, so that this type of thing does not happen.
My point is that Ohio U especially, has the top sports management program in the country. Those students are thirsty for experience that they can put on their resume. You guys should put your heads together with them and see how you can get creative to save your sports, in case the board grants you new life tonight, so that this doesn't happen again.
Good Luck, I hope your second chance is granted.