Athletic budget update #14 - Portland State dropping wrestling

I've received a number of comments from readers around the country hoping that I might post some positive news about the athletic budget environment, hard as that might be. As the on-going series continues, this posting has a couple of relatively "positive" items. But unfortunately they are overshadowed by the Portland State wrestling team being dropped to club status due to budget cuts as well as poor academic performance that was threatening the school's eligibility for championship events.

Other news includes:

• Bowling Green - Has announced that the men's hockey team will survive for at least one more season after an outpouring of support and concern about its potential elimination.


• Pepperdine - Has announced a one year reprieve for the swimming program after donations to support the team were identified. The team is still currently slated to be cut after the 2009-10 season.


• Louisville - Is currently constructing a $238 million basketball arena and has seen its athletic budget grow 60% in the last five years. However they are also not immune to the current budget environment and have instituted a hiring freeze while capping expenditures. (A subscription is necessary for the full article).

• Fresno State - Following two earlier posts (Feb 9 and Feb 26), the Bulldogs are facing a $1 million dollar shortfall in all revenue sources, and a 7% cut in their budget - a reduction of over $714,000. They have indicated no teams will be cut.


• Long Beach State - In an attempt to raise funds, a student referendum to increase the school's athletic fee was defeated by a wide margin. The institution will continue to consider other budget options.

• Central Michigan - The athletic department will assume responsibility for its own sports information functions following a decision to eliminate three central University staff positions that previously handled public relations issues for athletics.


• Patriot League - The athletic directors have unanimously approved cost cutting measures including the establishment of travel squad limits in all 23 sports, elimination of awards banquets for League championships, use of teleconferences for all head coach meetings and select administrative meetings. Future plans were also discussed and can be accessed via the link.