Lobo swimming-diving team a pandemic victim

Athletes support decision by UNM

The University of New Mexico swimming and diving program will not compete in the 2020-21 season, the school announced Wednesday.

UNM said the decision was made and supported by the student-athletes after a team meeting.

UNM cited the state’s current public health order for prohibiting practices. It had not scheduled any meets for this season.

“It’s an unfortunate circumstance for the student-athletes and coaches but one that I support,” said UNM athletic director Eddie Nuñez in a statement from the school.

“We will continue to support our student-athletes throughout this time and we look forward to a successful return to competition in the 2021-22 season.”

The program, which is women only at UNM, lists 33 athletes and it operates on 14 “equivalencies” (each equal to a full athletic scholarship).

Three of those 33 are seniors who by NCAA waiver could return in 2021-22, when nine new athletes are coming and the team will make room.

UNM’s announcement didn’t address the status of its other “winter” sport, as classified by the NCAA — indoor track and field.

UNM also has to address the status of the spring sports — baseball, men’s and women’s golf, soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, softball, and outdoor track an field, in the wake of the public health order.