State Budget Crisis Forces University to Cut Tennis Programs

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State Budget Crisis Forces University to Cut Tennis Programs

Fallon Blattner hits a volley as partner Mallory Brady watches during a match against Azusa Pacific University February 10, 2010.Due to unprecedented cuts in state funding, Cal Poly Pomona has announced that it will cut the men’s and women’s intercollegiate tennis programs, starting in the 2010-11 academic year.

“While a number of very tough decisions lie ahead as we reconcile our budget challenges, the suspension of our tennis programs is particularly painful to me,” President Michael Ortiz said. “Our student-athletes, particularly in the tennis program, have come to represent the very best of what we do, both in the classroom and on the court. They maintain extraordinary GPAs, lead many of our campus organizations and serve extensively in our local communities. This action is reflective of the state Legislature’s inability to adequately fund higher education.”

Cal Poly Pomona took a $30.8 million budget cut for the 2009-10 academic year, equal to about 20 percent of its total state allocation. The university will be forced to reduce its enrollment by an additional 2,000 students in the upcoming academic year to align the number of attendees with available resources. California is currently projecting a budget shortfall in excess of $20 billion.

“As one can imagine, this is an extremely difficult decision,” Director of Athletics Brian
Swanson said. “The economic issues that have gripped our state have had a far-reaching impact, and no one is immune. We are making this announcement now to provide those student-athletes the opportunity to further their experience at other institutions, should they desire to do so.”

The affected teams will continue to compete through the completion of the current academic year. All student-athletes with remaining eligibility will have the option of transferring or continuing their education at Cal Poly Pomona. Affected scholarship student-athletes will continue to receive their athletic scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year, should they choose to remain at the university. Salaried coaches will remain on staff until the completion of their current contracts in June.