Q: Sir, Navy Cross Country/Track & Field recently were removed from the Heptagonal League, much to the disappointment of many coaches and athletes involved (www.savetheheps.com). Do you support this change? If not, what has been done, and what is being done to get Navy back in the Heptagonal Championships? - asked by: Dan Christensen -
A: Dan, the situation regarding the Heptagonal Games was very simple. Navy was the only non-Ivy League team that participated in the HEPS. Secondly, our women were no longer involved in the HEPS so, therefore, it was just the men. The Athletic Directors of the Ivy League in their last spring meeting voted that it would become exclusively an Ivy League Championship. I know that we have a tradition of competing in this championship, however, when those who run the event determine that it shall be only an Ivy League Championship, it makes it awfully difficult for us to continue with the relationship. I appealed their decision, and was told that they would not change their mind. I am disappointed as are you, however, this is the reality of conference realignments, conference decision making, and the new wave in intercollegiate athletics.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
