Ball State's varsity sports program might be reduced from 22 teams to 16 if athletic director Bubba Cunningham follows through on his committee's recommendation.
Cunningham put the committee together this spring with the purpose of discovering ways to save money. The move was prompted by an increase in overall expenses combined with a decrease in money from the state.
This idea is under consideration at the moment, and Cunningham made it clear that nothing is certain at this time.
Cunningham also was clear in saying that even if passed, no cuts would take place until after the 2003-2004 academic year, as the 22 programs remain funded for that period.
If the suggestion is enacted, it would mean a savings of approximately $222,828 annually, according to the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA).
Ball State could reach that amount by eliminating men's indoor track, outdoor track and field, swimming and volleyball, along with women's field hockey and gymnastics.
Since the University of Toledo, a fellow Mid-American Conference school, made similar moves this spring, it would appear that MAC athletic programs are not just cutting corners to save money, but entire sports.
While not all of these Cardinal programs function in the limelight, cutting them would certainly constrict the diversity of Ball State's athletic program.
Cutting the sports programs would also decrease the amount of recognition Ball State receives, something Cunningham stressed the importance of while praising the achievement of the women's athletics program, which won the 2003 Jacoby Trophy.
"Any individual or team success that's associated with Ball State raises the profile," Cunningham is quoted as saying.
The men's volleyball team, just as an example, competes annually on a national level. National notoriety is good for university publicity, but perhaps notoriety takes a back seat to budgetary concerns.
According to the EADA, Ball State reported more than $3.5 million in revenue after pulling in more than $2.1 million from football and basketball alone. It also states that Ball State spent more than $8.3 million in 2001-2002 -- some $4.3 million devoted solely to football and basketball.
So, it is about prioritizing the programs on which the most money is spent and earned. That's understandable.
However, the repercussions of such a bold cut on the part of the athletics department should be thoroughly considered before pushing this through.
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