Purdue University Fort Wayne on Friday announced the discontinuation of the school's baseball and softball programs effective immediately.
According to a post on the school's website, the decision, which includes an expected cost savings of over $1 million, is directly related to $6 million in budget cuts the university announced Thursday.
Purdue University Fort Wayne on Friday announced the discontinuation of the school's baseball and softball programs effective immediately.
According to a post on the school's website, the decision, which includes an expected cost savings of over $1 million, is directly related to $6 million in budget cuts the university announced Thursday.
Players from both programs were reportedly blindsided by the school's move to cut the programs.
“I was trying to be optimistic and like, ‘OK, no problem, they just want to let us know what’s up for the next year,’” Aubrey Zacahary, a softball player, told the South Bend Tribune of her reaction up on hearing about an upcoming meeting where she was informed of the situation. “And then, we got to the call, and from the get-go you could tell something was up. … It was very unfortunate to hear. I just don’t know the words to describe it. Just completely blindsided. I’m just really sad for everyone involved.”
Senior leaders from the university and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics are already working to assist those individuals who have been affected by the discontinuation of the two programs.
"This is one of the saddest days in my 25 years as a Mastodon," athletic director Kelley Hartley Hutton said. "We know this news will upset our student-athletes, alumni and fans. It was not made lightly, and we are committed to supporting those affected through this transition."
All student-athlete scholarships will be honored and support will be provided to student-athletes wishing to transfer. Those who choose to transfer will be eligible immediately at their next institution. Mental health resources are also being made available to all student-athletes.
"I have the utmost respect for Head Baseball Coach Doug Schreiber, Head Softball Coach Amber Bowman, and their student-athletes," Hartley Hutton said. "They have consistently over-performed their given resources, facilities, and scholarship levels. We have not made the adequate investments into facilities and resources over the life of these programs, and when considering the current financial climate, it was determined that there was no feasible path to address those needs."
