UMass Dartmouth cuts 8 athletic teams; not virus related

“The resources from those programs are going to be reinvested into the other 17 programs."

Dartmouth, MA - 6/11/20 - The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. (Blake Nissen/ For The Boston Globe) Blake Nissen for The Boston Globe

By Associated Press

July 3, 2020

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has cut eight varsity athletic teams in an effort to better direct resources to remaining programs and align itself with other NCAA Division III schools, officials said.

UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Robert Johnson on Wednesday announced the discontinuation of men’s lacrosse, women’s equestrian, men’s golf, co-ed sailing, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s tennis.

UMass Dartmouth Director of Athletic Communications Jim Seavey told The Standard-Times of New Bedford that the decision was not related to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The resources from those programs are going to be reinvested into the other 17 programs,” he said. “By doing it now, it allows the athletic department and university to engage in long-term strategic planning.”

UMass-Dartmouth had 25 sports while most Division III schools have about 19. He said 94 student-athletes are affected.

Men’s lacrosse player Charlie Gamache said the decision left him lost and “feels like a complete blindside.”

The decision, effective immediately, was made to ensure that we provide our student-athletes with an exceptional experience and long-term sustainability of the remaining programs.

— UMass Dartmouth (@UMassD) July 1, 2020