Last September, the Gophers athletic department braced for a possible $75 million loss from the pandemic, contributing to tough decisions, most notably the cutting of three men's sports.
Almost exactly a year later, Gophers Athletic Director Mark Coyle gave his annual report Friday to the U's Board of Regents on the state of his program, pointing out losses from COVID-19 weren't as severe as first projected. Turns out, the department lost $21.5 million and plans to take out a university loan to pay it back.
When it comes to the sports cuts, though, nothing will change. The men's tennis, men's gymnastics and men's indoor track programs have been eliminated. Coyle has moved on, saying he is focused "on the future."
"We made some really heartbreaking decisions last year," Coyle told the Star Tribune after his presentation to the regents. "The board approved all of those recommendations and supported that decision."
About 30 members of the "Save Gophers Sports" group attended the board meeting. They weren't allowed to address the regents directly. They still wanted to let Coyle and U leadership know "we are not going away," former Gophers men's gymnastics coach Mike Burns said.
"Mark today said they have to borrow $21.5 million," Burns said. "That's a ton of money, but it's not $75 million. Why not put another $2 million on that and reinstate the sports? … It is the right thing to do. The opportunities that were lost, and excellence that was cut is noteworthy."
The U regents, President Joan Gabel and Coyle received a letter on Aug. 23 from Minnesota Sen. Melisa Franzen, signed by nine other members of the state legislature, asking about reconsidering the elimination of the three cut sports.
"We're trying to schedule a time to answer their questions," Coyle said of himself and Steve Sviggum, vice chair of the regents board.
