University of Alaska President Jim Johnson will suggest to the Board of Regents not to cut portions of the UAA and UAF athletic programs.
Last month the Board heard a proposal to eliminate both university campuses’ men’s and women’s ski teams, along with UAA’s indoor track teams. The act would have reduced team rosters to below the NCAA’s 10-team requirement unless the national sports association granted UA a waiver to continue as Division II.
In a letter released Thursday, Johnson stated that the NCAA would not consider a waiver until the University of Alaska actually cut the programs.
Johnson says due to that response he will not recommend the proposal. In the letter he added, “Similarly, given the complexity associated with the consortium option as discussed with the Regents, I will recommend against pursuing that option at this time as well.”
He also called on student athletes and the UA Alumni to monetarily support the programs they so vocally supported.
