The Abilene Christian football team must give up some past wins, after their appeal of NCAA sanctions failed.
What does this have to do with the distance program? As part of an investigation last year, ACU has given up almost two track and field scholarship and has or will reduce the number of foreign athletes on their squad.
According to this story, track and field coaches improperly accepted cash and gifts to host holiday functions and to provide travel for international athletes, and some junior college athletes (and would-be recruits) were given housing perks and free shoes.
Conincidentally (or not), former head coach Don Hood left the program for a high school job.
While giving up track scholarships was OK, giving up football wins mostly stuck in the school's craw. That prompted the school's appeal.
While I wasn't completely aware of the infractions until now, I think it unlikely the sanctions will adversely affect ACU's 'cross squad, judging by their roster. And their coach remains. But we'll find out soon.
