The governing board at James Madison University has announced plans to eliminate 10 of the university’s 28 intercollegiate athletics teams at the end of the academic year. The move will bring the university into compliance with the law banning sex discrimination at colleges that receive federal funds.
Seven men’s teams-archery, cross country, gymnastics, indoor track, outdoor track, swimming and wrestling-will be cut by July 1. Three women’s teams-archery, gymnastics and fencing-also will be eliminated.
A total of 144 students now participate in the sports to be dropped. Three full-time and eight part-time coaches will lose their jobs.
The university will spend savings from the cut programs on increasing scholarships for women’s golf, tennis and swimming. It will also provide partial scholarships for men’s golf and tennis, and plans to provide full scholarships by 2011.
