Bryn Athyn College (Pa.) is the latest in a series of schools to shutter its athletics department. The college announced this week it will be eliminating 11 NCAA sports teams, and even a few club teams, at the end of this academic year.
The Division III school, currently operating at a $48 million deficit, boasts a student-athlete population that makes up 50% of its total enrollment, and the school currently supports men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball. Bryn Athyn College also offers women’s tennis and field hockey.
The Lions will finish out this season before several of the current teams are transitioned to club sports.
According to CBS News, “Ending the athletic programs will cut the equivalent of 11 full-time employees.” These cuts will include all athletic staff and athletic trainers currently employed by the college.
College president Sean Connelly sent a letter to students and faculty this week that said, “After a comprehensive review of our financial position, we have made difficult —but essential
—changes.” Connelly explained in the letter that athletic expenses currently make up 12% of the Division III school’s spending, compared to the national average of 3%. The cuts will help the school make up $3.4 million of its deficit.
“We’ve trimmed back not to retreat, but to give our roots room to breathe —and from that resilience, new growth will come,” said Connelly.
Student-athletes spoke with CBS News. “You really notice it with a small school because everyone is always coming out to everyone's games," Junior Connor Walmsley said. "It's a close-knit community between the athletes here, and it's tough that they're just ripping that right away." Walmsley played lacrosse and club hockey.
An on-campus forum is scheduled for Friday to give students time to ask school leadership questions about these cuts and their future options.
