SAVE SEMO GYMNASTICS
Dear Southeast Missouri Athletic Administrators (President Dobbins, Don Kaverman, A.D., and Cindy Gannon, SWA):

I am very disappointed to learn that your department is considering dropping the womens gymnastics program. There is a tremendous level of interest and participation from young girls throughout our country in the sport of gymnastics. To see a college consider the elimination of an opportunity for those young women defies the intentions of Title IX legislation.

I strongly support the efforts to save your gymnastics program. The tradition and honor that Southeast Gymnastics has brought to your university should be valued by your institution, not eliminated. Please maintain the commitment to your current student-athletes. The strong academics and winning tradition of Southeast Gymnastics is well known throughout the gymnastics community.

A decision to maintain your program keeps the dream of a college scholarship alive for thousands of girls participating in gymnastics in the state of Missouri and for many thousands more throughout the country. The lack of participation numbers in high school programs does not reflect the interests and abilities of the
thousands involved with private clubs, YMCAs, and Turners groups. Gymnastics continues to grow at the grass roots level. We implore your university to meet the needs of so many young women who want to participate in collegiate gymnastics.

Thank you for your serious consideration.