Athletics

Questions and Answers Regarding Sport Reductions

 
  • Why is this being done?
    • This was a very difficult decision. However, the university can no longer sustain 20 program offerings in a fiscally responsible manner. Reducing the number of sports to 17 moves us closer to our conference peers and will help us pursue comprehensive excellence for our programs and student-athletes moving forward. This is also a piece of the puzzle to make up the projected $5+ million operating deficit we face in fiscal year 2021.
  • How were the discontinued sports chosen, and why now?
    • We conducted a detailed review based on a combination of factors, including budget implications, gender equity in relationship to participation opportunities and university enrollment, facility considerations and a number of others.
    • We wanted to make these decisions in a timely manner to allow affected student-athletes and staff to pursue other opportunities.
  • Will the impacted sports be reinstated sometime in the future?
    • With the current environment and uncertainty ahead, there is no plan to reinstate these sports.
  • How many student-athletes and coaches are affected by the discontinuation of sports?
    • With the elimination of these three sports, we anticipate that 45-50 student-athletes and four coaches will be affected.
  • Will discontinuing these sports impact App State's affiliation with the Sun Belt Conference?
    • No
  • Who was involved in the decision to discontinue sports?
    • Athletics is just a small part of this great university. We communicate with key stakeholders when making major decisions for App State Athletics. These actions were recommended to and supported by Chancellor Everts and the university's Board of Trustees.
  • Is the university considering the discontinuation of other sports programs?
    • We will continue to monitor the current environment we are in and make the best fiscally responsible decisions possible for App State Athletics.
  • Could construction projects and facility enhancements have been halted in order to save these sports?
    • The funding models for each of our current construction projects were finalized prior to COVID-19 and are separate from our operating revenue streams.
  • What is the status of the new track & field facilities?
    • The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our funding plans and resource allocation, but we plan to aggressively fundraise to complete the project at Appalachian 105 as quickly as possible. To date, we have engaged architects, design & construction and state construction on our proposed plans.
  • What impact does this have on fundraising?
    • With impacts sparing few industries across the globe, we expect this crisis to have some impact on fundraising, although we have seen comparable giving levels to last year in a number of areas year-to-date. We will continue to gather and engage the university community to be part of our plans, and appreciate the App Family's continued support of our beloved university during these difficult times.
    • We encourage anyone who is able to continue your support of App State Athletics as we move forward, together, toward a brighter future.
 
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