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Kutztown University
Athletics
updated 04/2/09
KUTZTOWN
UNIVERSITY TO DISCONTINUE
MEN'S SOCCER AND MEN'S SWIMMING PROGRAMS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
On March 31,
2009, Kutztown University announced the
decision to discontinue men's swimming and men's soccer as
varsity sports. Below are frequently asked questions
regarding that decision.
Why the decision to discontinue sports?
The current economic climate is such that every area of the
university must consider and/or implement cost saving measures.
What sports will be eliminated?
Men's soccer and men's swimming
How was the decision to eliminate these sports reached?
The KU athletics department contracted an outside consultant
(Alden & Associates) to conduct a funding study on the
intercollegiate athletics program. The athletic programs and
policy committee gathered, discussed and shared information with
the consultant.
As a result of the study and based on the
data that was gathered, Greg Bamberger, Director of Athletics,
and Dr. Charles Woodard, Vice President for Student Services and
Campus Life, made the recommendation to me to discontinue the
sports.
Considered
were several factors, including competitiveness; academic
success; facilities; and fan, donor and media interest. Men's
soccer and men's swimming teams would require significant
additional resources to become truly competitive at a conference
championship level.
How much money will discontinuing these sports save?
It is estimated that immediate annual savings will be $100,000,
with long-term annual savings estimated at $150,000.
Instead of cutting these sports entirely, why not implement
across-the-board cuts?
Because we want to protect the integrity and competitiveness of
the overall program. An across-the-board cut would also
affect a much larger number of student-athletes.
Are any other varsity sports in jeopardy of being discontinued?
There are no plans for further changes in the varsity sports
offered at KU at this time.
Is the elimination of men's soccer and men's swimming related to
Title IX?
Title IX/gender equity was not a primary consideration.
However, the requirement that an institution's athletics
offerings be in proportion to the overall proportion of the
student body was considered when assessing the programs.
How many students will be affected?
The sports had 32 (20 soccer, 12 swimming) athletes on the
2008-09 rosters who would have had remaining eligibility (e.g.
underclassmen) to compete next year.
What happens to the men's swimming and men's soccer student
athletes?
If the affected student-athletes wish to transfer to another
institution, we will do everything possible to help in that
process. By NCAA regulations, all student-athletes
affected by the elimination of their sport can transfer to
another school and be immediately eligible for the 2009-10
season, providing they meet all NCAA academic eligibility
requirements. If a student-athlete has an existing
athletic scholarship and chooses to stay at KU, the scholarship
will be honored for the period the athlete would have been
eligible for competition, provided the student meets NCAA and
university academic eligibility requirements.
Will the discontinued teams have an opportunity to become club
sports?
Yes. Students would be able to organize a club sport through the
university's recreation services department.
What happens to the sports' history?
The alumni of these sports will always be a part of the Golden
Bear family. KU athletics truly treasures its history.
The records and history of these sports will be kept on file in
the sports information office. The alumni will be eligible
for any appropriate alumni athletic awards and honors, most
notably the Athletics Hall of Fame, just like any other sport.
When was the last time KU discontinued sports?
KU discontinued the varsity sports of men's and women's lacrosse
and men's golf in 1989-90.
What will happen to money donated to KU for these specific
programs?
Depending on the requested use of the donations by the donors,
the money may have already been allocated for scholarships or
other sport specific needs. Remaining funds will be used
to honor the remaining scholarship agreements with the
student-athletes. Donors who have endowed scholarships for these
sports will be consulted to determine their wishes for the
funds' future use.
Is it possible to
reinstate these teams?
It is possible, but given the current economic status, it is
also unlikely in the foreseeable future.
Were Men's Soccer and Men's Swimming
removed from the KU Athletics Web site?
The sports were not removed from the Web site.
Why were Men's Soccer and Men's Swimming listed as
"Past Sports" on the KU
Athletics Web site so quickly?
The site was updated to show these two sports as
"Past
Sports" on March 31, the same day as the announcement, because we did not want
to mislead potential recruits or any other visitors to the site. The Web
site is an immediate means of communications, and that immediacy needed to be
reflected in the university's varsity sports offerings.
We did not feel it appropriate to select a future transition
date.
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