On Jan. 13, Delaware State University athletic director Derek Carter announced the school’s decision to cut their equestrian team.

Carter made the difficult decision in an attempt to reduce the school’s $12 million athletic budget, the highest in its conference. Cutting the equestrian and men’s tennis teams will allow the school to keep title IX funding and is expected to save almost $700,000.

The news came as a complete shock to head coach, Leigh Nicol, and her team. Last semester, Carter told the team their status at the school was in jeopardy and gave them the opportunity to raise money in order to stay on. The Hornets raised more than $60,000 and were planning to continue their fundraising in the spring semester. Initially, the administration told the team they had until February to present their findings and discuss a reformed budget.  

Team members are understandably upset. “[Carter] came in and said ‘You’re cut,’ and the whole room filled with tears,” said Kayla Blair, a junior on the team.

But the team riders are prepared to fight. “We’re going to do whatever it takes to stay. Absolutely whatever it takes,” said Blair. Planned actions include hiring a lawyer, staging protests and speaking to the press.  

The team members believes they are well worth their financial expense. DSU added the equestrian team to increase diversity at a historically black school. The team also has the third highest grade point average, a 100 percent graduation rate and the most community service hours of any team.

The team will not be officially cut until June 30 and will finish out the 2009-2010 competitive season. Juniors’ athletic scholarships will last through their senior year, but freshman and sophomores will either have to pay full tuition for their remaining years or transfer to another team.

“I was promised an athletic career, which is four years, and I won’t be given that,” said Blair.