Budget cuts axe UMass ski team

According to an Associated Press story published last week, the University of 
Massachusetts has cut its men’s and women’s ski teams due to major reductions in the school’s athletic budget.

The program, which won national championships in 2008 for men’s slalom and giant slalom, is scheduled to come to an end in the 2010 season. The school expects to save $100,000 per year by eliminating its support of the team, which will now operate as a club sport. Skiers did not receive athletic scholarships, though coaches were paid.   

The school’s $850,000 athletic budget cut was handed down by the state, and will lead to the school reducing administrative costs. UMass’ athletic teams will now be expected to raise more money on their own through fundraisers.  

According to an Associated Press story published last week, the University of Massachusetts has cut its men’s and women’s ski teams due to major reductions in the school’s athletic budget.

The program, which won national championships in 2008 for men’s slalom and giant slalom, is scheduled to come to an end in the 2010 season. The school expects to save $100,000 per year by eliminating its support of the team, which will now operate as a club sport. Skiers did not receive athletic scholarships, though coaches were paid.   

The school’s $850,000 athletic budget cut was handed down by the state, and will lead to the school reducing administrative costs. UMass’ athletic teams will now be expected to raise more money on their own through fundraisers.