Complete Release
PORTLAND, Ore. --- The University of Portland will add women’s crew as a varsity sport and discontinue both the men’s and women’s golf programs at the end of this academic year, the school announced on Friday, October 29. The decision came after a lengthy and thorough analysis of all current and potential varsity programs following the University’s most recent NCAA recertification.
The varsity women’s crew team will begin NCAA Division I competition as a member of the West Coast Conference during the 2011-12 academic year. The University will begin its search for a head coach immediately.
Factors weighed in the evaluation of sports included roster sizes, program budgets, facilities, impact on the campus/community, historic success of the programs, and the opportunity for future success. The transition will increase the total number of University of Portland varsity student-athletes, as the average NCAA women’s crew roster is 62. The addition of crew also helps Portland address Title IX compliance by increasing female student-athlete participation to better represent the student-body population. Portland has historically had a successful club program in crew and the campus sits on the riverfront of the Willamette River. With the recent University purchase of riverfront property, the addition of crew presents significant opportunities for the long-term development of the land.
“This was a difficult decision that comes after an extensive evaluation of our department,” Portland Athletic Director Larry Williams said. “I want to thank our golf coaches, Bill Winter and Michelle Murphy, for their passion and continued loyalty to Portland Athletics. Bill and Michelle will always be members of the University of Portland family.”
The Portland athletic department will continue to support the golf teams as they compete through this academic year and will honor current scholarship levels for affected student-athletes who choose to remain at Portland. The department will assist any golfers who want to transfer to another school to continue their athletic pursuits. Per NCAA rules, student-athletes who wish to continue competing may transfer and participate immediately at other schools.
“We have an obligation to be responsible stewards of the resources we are given as a department,” Williams added. “Our goal is to pursue and achieve excellence in the sports we sponsor, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our analysis has led us to the conviction that women’s crew is the best fit to achieve those high standards.”
Q&A – UP Adds Women’s Crew, Discontinues Golf Programs
Why was the sport of crew chosen as an addition to the varsity program at Portland?
Over the past few years the University and athletic administration have explored the addition of a women’s sport, and seriously considered a number of options. Crew offers the best fit for the University because of the existing club program on campus, the many competitive opportunities in the Northwest, the thriving crew community in Portland, and the chance to add a significant number of participation opportunities for female students at the University.
When will the crew team start?
The varsity crew team’s first collegiate season will be during the 2011-12 academic year.
When will a crew coach be hired?
The University will immediately begin the search for a head coach, with an anticipated start date in early 2011.
Why were the golf programs chosen to be discontinued?
The administration reviewed a number of factors when evaluating all the varsity programs at the University, including roster sizes, program budgets, facilities, impact on the campus/community, and historic success of the programs as well as opportunity for future success. Ultimately it was determined that the golf program was a difficult fit as a varsity sport at UP, and the decision was made to discontinue the programs.
What will happen to the golf student-athletes?
The University will honor the athletic scholarship commitment to the golf student-athletes that are currently enrolled, and will continue their scholarships through graduation. Per NCAA rules, students who wish to continue competing may transfer and compete immediately at other schools. The University will provide resources to ensure that the impacted students have the best opportunity for collegiate success, whether that involves staying enrolled at UP or transferring to another institution.
Was Title IX compliance a key factor in this decision?
Title IX compliance was one of many factors in the decision to adjust the varsity sport sponsorship at Portland.
How many student-athletes will be affected by the changes?
Portland’s current golf rosters comprise a total of 16 student-athletes: nine men’s golfers and seven women’s golfers. The average NCAA Division I women’s crew roster is comprised of more than 62 student-athletes. Portland is expected to create a roster of 40-60 women’s crew student-athletes.
Was dropping the golf programs part of a budget cut?
No. The decision to discontinue the golf program was in no way mandated by the University or necessitated as a cost-cutting measure.
Will there be any other programs added or dropped in the near future?
There are currently no plans for any other sport expansion or reduction by the University of Portland. The University will continue to analyze future opportunities and regularly evaluate our current programs.
