TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — Talladega College is planning to drop its women’s gymnastics program after just one season, but the gymnasts at the historically Black school aren’t giving up on saving their team.
The team started fundraising efforts online trying to bring in $500,000 by the end of July, raising some $20,000 as of Wednesday. Talladega College last year became the second HBCU to start a gymnastics program, joining Fisk University.
Interim president Walter M. Kimbrough had announced Friday the program would be shut down effective July 31, saying the private college didn’t have enough resources to keep it going.
“This fundraiser was created to show the world that Dega Gym is here to stay and the community is behind them 100%,” the www.givelively.org page said. “We know that our goal is daunting, but without it we will be forced to put our education and athletic careers on hold. It is too late for our team to find homes. More than the aforementioned, we wouldn’t want to if we could. We set forth on a journey to make history and we are not done yet!
“We have until July 30, 2024, to show that the community wants to keep this program alive! Let’s unite to keep the dreams of these young women alive. Together, we can make a difference.”
In February, the Tornadoes became the first HBCU program to win an NCAA-sanctioned meet, defeating the University of Alaska Anchorage and host Centenary. Freshman Kyrstin Johnson of Baltimore won the USA gymnastics national championship in the vault.
“While the decision to discontinue the gymnastics program was undoubtedly difficult, we remain incredibly proud of our gymnasts, coaches, and their remarkable achievements,” Kimbrough said in a statement. “Their dedication and resilience have set a high standard, and their legacy will continue to inspire.”
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