ECU athletes, coach disagree with decision to cut swimming and diving program

GREENVILLE, Pitt County — It has been nearly a week since ECU Athletic Director Jon Gilbert announced the university would cut four varsity sports: men’s swimming and diving, women’s swimming and diving, men’s tennis and women’s tennis.

Since the announcement, supporters have rallied around the swim and dive program calling on East Carolina University leaders to bring it back.

One way community members are showing support is through an online petition. Nearly 16,000 people have signed one by ECU sophomore and swimmer Ryan Brennan asking leaders to save the program.

Brennan says he was shocked and devastated when Gilbert made the announcement over a Zoom call last Thursday. He says this program is one of the best in ECU's history, touting four championships in six years. He says it is up in the air whether he and some of his teammates will stay at ECU, but he says his heart will always bleed purple and gold.

“By the amount of people that have signed the petition and shared it on their Instagram or Twitter, it truly shows that people do care about us,” he explains.

Brennan says he has not heard from the athletic department about the petition so far.

“We just wanted to show the athletic department that what you’re cutting is not just us," he says, "it affects many thousands of people.”

ECU Swim and Dive Coach Matthew Jabs says he does not agree with the decision and has already gotten hundreds of calls and emails from ECU alumni upset with the decision.

"I do not agree with the decision to cut one of the most successful programs in the history of East Carolina University athletics as well as the most successful ECU program in the AAC," he says in a statement.

“Our program has brought, athletic, academic, and worldwide brand recognition to the university for decades, through our consistent achievement of excellence. I've received hundreds of calls, emails, and texts and it's clear the alumni, current athletes, and swimming community are upset, and hurt by the decision. They are passionate about trying to find a solution, and way to help with the financial issues of the department."

According to university officials, the athletic department is projecting a $10 million dollar deficit this year; cutting the four programs will save nearly $5 million dollars. With the cuts, ECU now has 16 sports, the minimum required to maintain its current status.

Both Interim Chancellor Ron Mitchelson and Atheltic Director Jon Gilbert were not available for an interview on Wednesday to discuss the situation.