But, in my discussions with Lee, I do not know why he stays or how he puts up with the administration. He is being denied quality recruits, who meet Swarthmore's rigorous academic standards and I believe it is because they are athletes. Lee is being asked to go into battle with one hand tied behind his back and the program is suffering. In conversations with other alumni and other Swarthmore coaches, they are suffering from the same problems. When a qualified high school athlete gets to the final stage of the admissions process, I believe that their athletic background is counted as a negative.
Nothing can be further from the truth.
Dropping sports does not build a stronger intercollegiate athletic program. This decision has pushed back the athletic programs twenty years. No high school recruit in their right mind will attend Swarthmore. I have always believed that since I was able to attend Swarthmore due to financial aid from the college, my contribution could help another student in need. This weekend's decision by the administration has changed that thinking.