This past Monday the University at Buffalo released that they will be cutting four of their teams out of the current 20 Division 1 sports team the school has. The school will now be containing the minimum number of teams for the school to identify as Division 1 under the NCAA. The teams that will be cut include Men’s Soccer, Men’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s Baseball and Women’s Rowing.
The school claims that cutting these teams will save the Athletic department $2 million dollars in spending. UB president Satish K Tripathi states, “The unfortunate reality is that we no longer have the resources to support 20 competitive Division I athletic teams. I know that this is a difficult day for our student athletes, our coaches and the entire athletics program and university.” UB’s most popular sports, basketball and football won’t be affected by this cut.
UB is honoring any scholarships given to athletes and they are granted permission to transfer schools to play sports elsewhere.
Many are upset over the loss of teams, especially Men’s soccer after playing they best season ranked 50th in the nation.
As a rower, it is unfortunate to hear that their women’s rowing team is being cut due to budget spending. I considered rowing for UB when visiting colleges and even went on an official with team. As a freshman rowing at Canisius College, I have raced them in the fall and hope to have one final scrimmage with them this spring. My heart goes out to those on the UB Women’s rowing team.
