Earlier today, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) announced that they will be imposing an eight-month suspension on their men's and women's cross country and track and field teams, as well as their men's golf program, starting November 1st. All athletes will retain their scholarships.
The decision stems from financial concerns following "significant revenue losses" due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin noted in the official release that the current decision is a "short-term step" and that the university hopes to "reestablish both our golf, track and field/cross country programs soon."
In recent years, UMKC has produced a pair of the best steeplechase talents in the country.
Courtney Frerichs, an Olympian, American Record Holder, World Championship Silver Medalist and NCAA Champion (during her time with New Mexico as a graduate student), is easily the best talent to ever come out of the program.
Bryce Miller is another recent top talent who ran a personal best of 8:34 in the 3000 meter steeplechase during his time with UMKC. He qualified for three NCAA Championships between cross country and track, was a qualifier for both the 2017 and 2019 USATF Championships and was a steeplechase finalist at the 2016 US Olympic Trials (finishing 10th overall).