The latest budget news shows on-going contraction in athletic department spending across the country, the most significant being Cincinnati Athletic Director Mike Thomas announcing that the department will stop providing scholarship support to three men's teams - track and field, cross country and swimming - beginning next year. The cuts will be phased in over four years and will result in $400,000 - $500,000 in savings when they are fully implemented. The choices were made in consideration of Title IX expectations as well as Big East membership requirements.Other announcements included:
Iowa - Anticipating decreased revenue and all areas of the department have been told to cut expenses by Athletic Director Gary Barta. Travel expenses across the department are the primary focus of the article.
NCAA- The link provides an analysis of financial payouts each conference receives for participation in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Sacramento State - Asking students to double their athletic fee over a three year period to close a $500,000 budget hole. Athletic Director Terry Wanless has indicated that failure to do so could result in the elimination of programs.Minnesota - Losing $700,000 in University funding for athletics. The shortfall is expected to be made up with revenue streams from the opening of TCF Bank Stadium.
Colorado State - Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk is seeking a 17% increase ($15) to the athletic fee, which would increase annual department funding by nearly $750,000 a year.
Big Sky Conference - Canceling annual football media day and shifting the volleyball schedule from a Thursday - Saturday format to a Friday - Saturday format.
http://www.ultimatesportsinsider.com/
3 comments:
The college world of sports is suffering--big time. It is a shame. Kutztown University in Pennsylvania cut their men's soccer and men's swim team last week--but it seemed as though the administration was using the recession as an excuse rather than a fair reason. I faced a cut last year when our field hockey team got cut at URI, and it was awful. The recession is hurting everyone.
I appreciate the information about Kutztown. I also agree completely with your concerns. Losing these opportunities is counter to the incredible number of positive things that can come from college athletics.
Agreed. Athletics is a teacher in itself. Through athletics, students learn about leadership, dedication, commitment, organization, teamwork, and other life skills. I was saddened when I read your latest post about M.I.T. one of the top institutes in the nation having to cut their sports, one of the things that gives these already amazing students another competitive edge.
I also think that I indirectly learned that Philadelphia University cut their field hockey team...
http://www.philaurams.com/sports/fh/2008-09/news/1-20-09_FH_dropped
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