DURHAM, New Hampshire, February 1. AT the same time Slippery Rock took the hatchet to a handful of sports, including swimming, the University of New Hampshire took a similar route on Tuesday. The school, citing financial woes in the athletic department, announced it will eliminate men’s swimming, men’s and women’s tennis and women’s crew to the tune of saving $500,000. The cuts become effective in September of 2006 and affect 73 athletes.
The school announced that the sports that will be cut have the option to continue at the club level. Of course, no scholarship money will be available. The announcement was made by Marty Scarano, New Hampshire’s Director of Athletics. He indicated that if fundraising efforts by the school are not strong, more cuts could be announced in three years. Scarano said that New Hampshire athletics projects an annual shortfall of $1 million.