Dear Track & Field parents, supporters and alumni,
After taking over the position of Interim Head Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Coach following Coach Ogilvie’s retirement in March, there has been significant conversation about COVID-19 and the impact on the future of intercollegiate athletics, with many universities going so far as cutting non-revenue sport programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased our financial concerns and the university's ability to adequately fund our program. Since taking over in March, I have had to take steps and impose cost-cutting measures that reduced overall operating expenses by over 15%. Some of these cost cutting measures include:
Removing the New York Armory Indoor meet from our schedule
Removing the Texas Relays from our schedule
Reducing travel squad size
Reducing support staff travel
Other steps imposed by our athletic department included a graduated, department-wide reduction in salaries for all employees. In addition, the university’s retirement contribution for all employees was suspended for this fiscal year. While inching toward the start of the indoor season, additional cuts, both in compensation and non-compensation, are necessary and the athletic department will be reducing the department budget an additional $3M, bringing the overall budget reduction to over $20M. This is a significant deficit and one that could adversely impact our program for years to come.
Track & Field is one of the most diverse and egalitarian sports in all of athletics. It is the one sport where athletes of every race and socioeconomic background (from the inner-city to foreign countries and from all corners of America) all compete with no favoritism. We need our sport now, more than ever, and I’m asking for your help! If circumstances allow, a financial gift will allow Duke Track & Field to dramatically decrease the impact the current global crisis will have on our student athletes and their experience. Duke Track & Field has made huge strides over the past decade and it is my hope that we can continue to provide the best experience possible for our student athletes. I want you to know that I sincerely appreciate your backing and I hope that you will make Duke Track & Field part of your philanthropy. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Duke Track & Field.
Sincerely,
Shawn Wilbourn