Temple University is eliminating seven sports starting with the 2014 academic year as it faces problems funding the current size of its athletic program.
News of the cuts brought some Owls student athletes to tears, a moment captured on YouTube. The affected sports were baseball, softball, men's crew, women's rowing, men's indoor and outdoor track and field, and men's gymnastics. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the move will save the department $3 million, which amounts to 6.8 percent of the school’s $44 million budget.
In addressing a gathering of Owls student-athletes Temple A.D Kevin Clark said, “I totally understand your anger and disappointment. This is very difficult for me, my staff and my coaching staff. However, at the end of the day, this is the right thing to do to … compete at the highest level. We cannot continue to pretend that we don't have a problem and not provide a service and experience that you guys deserve. I'm very sorry from the bottom of my heart that it came down to this.”
The move affects 150 athletes, but those who wish to transfer to another school can do so without losing a year of eligibility.
The last time Temple cut programs was in 1986, when it eliminated eight sports. The move also gets the school back into compliance with Title IX. The Inquirer notes that the school had been out of compliance for years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.