University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Discontinues Skiing Teams As Varsity Sports
April 02, 2009 | Women's Ski
April 2, 2009
AMHERST, Mass. - The University of Massachusetts, Amherst will discontinue sponsoring its men's and women's skiing programs as varsity sports beginning with the 2010 season. This move is being made as part of a budget reduction and reorganization plan to address an $850,000 shortfall due to apermanent state budget cut of $600,000and additional expenses. In addition to the action being taken with the ski programs the departmentwillmake administrative reductions, across the board operating cuts and use non-base funding to fill the remaining gap.
"This is an extremely difficult decision," said John McCutcheon, Director of Athletics. "The skiing programs have been a big part of the athletic history at UMass. We want to recognize the contributions that those associated with the programs bothpast and present have made to the University. Additionally it is our intent to support a transition to club sport status for both teams. It is our sincere hope that current and future skiers will have an opportunity to have a positive experience at the club level."
The school determined that this action was required after a review of all sports that included gender equity, Title IX issues, competitive aspirations as well as NCAA and conference membership requirements.
TRANSACTIONS
Massachusetts - Men's and women's skiing programs discontinued.