Star Runner Controversy

(CSULA- UT)  One of CSULA’s star track & field runners, Vivien Wadeck, has recently been dismissed from the Women’s Track & Field team.  According to Athletes Department Policy, after receiving three infractions teammates may be removed from the program.  Ms. Wadeck had received four in the past few weeks.  According to a statement by Ms. Wadeck these infractions were unfair and discriminatory.

The first two infractions involved missing practice, a third for giving supposedly misleading class scheduling information and a fourth for behaving disrespectfully towards the members of the athletics department. She had appealed the first infraction and was denied appeal by Dr. Bridges the athletic director.

Ms. Wadeck claimed that relations between her and members of the Athletic Department became strained after she had requested training by a personal coach,

A CSULA alum. She states “I went to my coach, distance coach, and athletic director honestly and openly about my concern with my trainings.” She later says that this initially caused the problem.  Following her requests, which were denied, her coaches became more demanding of her time.  She feels that “they made an example out of me, and have taken my name and dragged it through the mud, calling me a liar, and saying I lacked respect for their program.” When the athletic department was contacted, Dr. Bridges said that the department as a whole would be unable to comment on the situation.

Ms. Wadeck was one of the three students from CSULA to qualify for nationals, finishing second in the 5,000 meter run last year. She also has five first place winnings in CSULA finals according to the CSULA Athletics Department.  With only a few classes left to take before graduation, Wadeck was asked to remain quiet about her dismissal in order to keep her full scholarship.