The athletes and coaches of the men’s and women’s tennis and swimmingprograms at the University of Northern Iowa are reacting to news that their sports are being cut to save money. The news was devastating for swimming coach Danny Mayes. Mayes says he’s “distraught, hurt and concerned for his kids.” Mayes says he is also concerned that members of the swim team may have nowhere else to go. He says the athletes can’t go somewhere and get a pick up game of swimming. He says swimming is a lifestyle, and it’s cutting their lifestyle.Senior swimmer Melissa Matz says she feels bad for the younger members of the team, because she’s had her four years.Tim Goodnight is a sophomore swimmer from Omaha and he is bitter about the decision. Goodnight says athletic director Rick Hartzell, “Was never supportive of our team.” Goodnight says Hartzell never attended a swim meet and “just took the easy way out.” There are 56 athletes in the four programs.
