In January 2021, Clemson’s athletic director, Dan Radakovich, announced that Clemson planned to end men’s track and cross country. Clemson students were outraged. A petition quickly spread like wildfire across the campus and students gathered for protests. For a university that prides itself on “Clemson family,” students were left asking, where’s the Unity.
Now, Clemson Athletics has taken notice of the students’ calls for action… but may have missed the mark. On March 28, Clemson Athletics put out a statement announcing the newest men’s varsity sport at Clemson, badminton.
“We have seen the student response to the discontinuation of men’s track and field and cross country, and we understand the harm this cut has done. For that reason, we are very excited to announce the arrival of Clemson’s men’s badminton, which will have its inaugural season in the winter of 2022.”
The short message also hinted at a new badminton arena somewhere on campus, but the building site hasn’t been announced yet.
The brief, which had been highly anticipated as a “big announcement,” came as a disappointment to all students fighting for cross country and track. Many are wondering how this decision was financially beneficial.
“I just don’t get it at all,” said Birdy Baseline, a junior marketing major, “If they’re going to add a men’s sports team back, why would they add a whole new one that requires a new facility and all that. The women are still using the track and training centers for running. Clemson’s lost it.”
Other students are less concerned about funding and more concerned about general interest.
“Who the heck plays badminton?” Says Sean Shuttlecock, a sophomore sports communications major, “Clemson isn’t going to be able to recruit anyone. No one is going to go to those games.”
Clemson does have a plan for how to fill up their newest squad, which they think may appease those who have been protesting to get cross country and track back. Clemson Athletics hopes that many of the former track and cross-country athletes will use their sporting skills on the court instead. They promise to open up tryouts to the former athletes first, giving them a chance to rep a varsity jersey again.
“We are excited to begin tryouts soon and anticipate many of our track stars to pick up a racquet and give it a go,” said a Clemson athletics representative in an email to The Kitten.
Although there has been pushback from many students following the announcement, some have high hopes for the program.
“I believe this will be a terribly jolly occasion at Clemson,” said Rosamund Tambling-Goggin, a sophomore exchange student from England, “The British do fancy a sporting match of court games, and it will be marvelous to bring the activity across the pond.”
Tambling-Goggin, who’s known for her bad opinions on campus, notes that while it may take a while to get the program off the ground, the Tigers will soon be a “top-notch” program.
“At first they will probably put the bad in badminton, if you get what I mean,” Tambling-Goggin laughed to herself, “but soon they’ll be bloody brilliant.”
Other students are less optimistic than Tambling-Goggin. Protests are rising up all over campus, with plans to commit arson at the sight of the new arena.
Next week, Clemson will release their pick for Clemson badminton coach, who is rumored to be the Lin Dan, a two-time Olympic champion, five-time World champion, as well as a six-time All England champion. The Kitten will be keeping up to date with all the badminton updates Clemson Athletics releases.
