Duquesne University is dropping four men's varsity sports, a move that will shift more than $1 million annually into the athletic department's other 16 sports.
Eliminating baseball, wrestling, men's swimming and men's golf will affect approximately 70 of the school's estimated 475 varsity athletes. All athletes currently on scholarship will continue to receive their current funding until their eligibility is expired, or they will be assisted in transferring to other schools.
Four full-time coaches and one assistant will lose their jobs, although all will remain under contract through June.
Duquesne's annual athletic department operating budget is $10.8 million.
"The decision follows an extended period of comprehensive research," Dukes AD Greg Amodio said in a statement. "Although it is an extremely difficult move, it will place the athletics program in the very best position to be successful in the future," he said, adding that this will better align the programs offered with the department's operational budget and donor base.
"The fiscal challenges facing collegiate athletic departments across the country require making difficult decisions to ensure viability," he said. "We are committed to maintaining a financially prudent athletics program while providing our student athletes with a positive environment to achieve their academic and athletic aspirations."
Ross Guidotti stands on a Duquesne curbside for his live shot...
((HT: KDKA-TV))
Baseball season is set to start on the 19th with a snowbird schedule in South Carolina and Florida- starting at USC with a three-game set in Columbia.
Four wrestling meets remain in their season- before regionals and possible NCAA post-season tournament participation. The wrestling Dukes are at Campbell on Saturday.
The A-10 Swimming Championships are the weekend of the 17th through the 19th in Buffalo.
Catch the Dukes in these sports while you can...
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