Wolfpack facing severe budget cuts

The University of Nevada – Reno ski team is facing an uncertain future because of state budget cuts.

According to reports from the Associated Press and the Reno Gazette Journal, the NCAA Division one ski team could be disbanded by 2011.The University of Nevada – Reno ski team, known as The Wolfpack, is facing an uncertain future because of state budget cuts.

According to reports from the Associated Press and the Reno Gazette Journal, the NCAA Division one ski team could be disbanded by 2011.

Athletic officials say for the 2009-2010 year, the university will continue to fund tuition waivers for team athletes and coaching staff costs. Operational costs will have to come from donors or other sources.

But all funding from the athletic department will be cut the following year.

Officials say they hope the program can be sustained through donations.

The university’s website quotes Director of Athletics Cary Groth as saying, “We are all facing challenging economic times, and we have tried to make cuts that will have a minimal impact on the student-athlete experience. We didn’t want to cut student-athletes’ opportunities in sports, but we have had very tough choices to make and will not be able to fund the program after the 2009-10 season.

“I have met with our ski staff and boosters, and we are discussing multiple alternatives of continuing our ski tradition. Possibilities include being funded by donors or becoming a club sport.”