From ECU Sports Info.
Teri LaJeunese, Sports Information Director
ADA – Due to the State of Oklahoma budget cuts and failures, East Central University’s impact exceeds $2 million. The ECU Athletics Department announced its plan to reorganize to help meet the declining shortage.
The reorganization plan will save the university almost $500,000. The plan includes the suspension of men’s and women’s golf and tennis programs effective in the fall of 2016. They also will reduce funding for the spirit program and scholarships across the remaining 11 sports offered at ECU.
“We are a public institution in a state experiencing a very real budget failure, which is forcing all institutions to make very difficult decisions,” stated Director of Athletics Dr. Jeff Williams. “After examining our athletic programs, we have come to the conclusion to suspend operations of the men’s and women’s golf and tennis programs after this spring championship season of competition.”
“We appreciate the leadership by head tennis coach Justin Graham and head golf coach Danny Key,” said Williams. “The caliber of student-athlete these programs recruited, retained and graduated from ECU has been excellent. This is a heart-breaking decision for us to make.”
“It’s always a sad day when opportunities for student-athletes are reduced. However, East Central University remains in compliance with NCAA Division II and Great American Conference sports sponsorship minimums,” said Great American Conference Commissioner Will Prewitt. “Good luck to the affected student-athletes whether they remain at ECU to complete their degrees or look to pursue their athletic careers at other institutions.”