Sonoma State University announced Wednesday that its intercollegiate athletics programs are being discontinued in addition to other severe cuts to address a budget deficit of nearly $24 million.
In addition, several academic departments and majors are being eliminated and dozens of faculty members are being laid off to address a budget deficit of nearly $24 million.
The schools’ 11 Division II athletics programs are all being cut and teams will cease operations after the spring seasons.
The Seawolves’ teams that competed in the California Collegiate Athletics Association are baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and golf, as well as women’s cross country, track and field and volleyball.
The late Larry Allen, a Pro Football Hall of Fame guard who played with the Dallas Cowboys and 49ers, is the most decorated athlete in Sonoma State’s history. The school’s athletic alumni includes current Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells, a former Division II All-American who was the school’s only NBA draft pick ever.
University officials said student-athletes who choose to remain at Sonoma State will remain eligible to receive scholarships as long as they meet the current terms of their scholarship.
“I know this is difficult news for our campus community. I am keenly aware of its human impact, and how individuals, families, relationships, and communities are affected by such news,” interim university president Emily Cutrer said in the statement. “I understand that no amount of explanation or necessity makes any of us feel better.”
Source: www.mercurynews.com