This year, four varsity sports were cut from the university’s athletic program, which resulted in petitions on behalf of the students, letters to the administration and private monetary offers.

On Jan. 31, Athletic Director Marty Scarano announced the athletic department would cut women’s crew, men’s swimming and men’s and women’s tennis in an attempt to deal with a $1 million hole that exists within the department’s budget. These cuts will take effect in September.

However, each sport does have the option of continuing on a club level without the assistance of scholarships for athletes.
The cuts affect 73 athletes, three full-time coaches and one part-time coach. They are estimated to save $500,000 within the department. However, the department still needs to raise another $500,000 to entirely eliminate the current debt.

“Private and corporate support is critical to the future of UNH athletics,” Scarano said. According to Scarano, the deficit could have easily accumulated to $5 million in the next four years if something wasn’t done immediately.