Stephen F. Austin to cut bowling, golf and beach volleyball programs

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University announced Thursday it is cutting the bowling, men’s and women’s golf and beach volleyball programs at the end of this school year. 

In a news release, SFA said the cuts are being made due to “sustained departmental budget deficits and the anticipated financial impact of upcoming revenue-sharing requirements with Division I athletes.” 

All scholarships will be honored at the existing levels for student-athletes who choose to stay at the university to finish their academic work and graduate. Those who want to transfer to another school to pursue their athletic careers will have the full backing and services of the SFA athletics administration to help with transferring, the announcement read.

Michael McBroom, director of athletics, said this reduction seeks to improve the department’s financial position and allow it to operate within its means while maintaining the 14 NCAA varsity programs and nationally acclaimed cheer and dance teams.  

“Decisions like these are never easy, but they are made in the best interest of the athletic program and the university as a whole,” McBroom said. “Over the past year, we have made significant progress in reducing annual athletics expenditures, especially in our travel costs. Unfortunately, those efforts have not been enough. In order for SFA Athletics to deliver the best possible championship experience for all of our student-athletes in the face of very real economic and facility challenges, we made the difficult decision to reduce the number of sports we sponsor.” 

McBroom said the changes will be difficult right now, but they will better position SFA to move forward in terms of fiscal responsibility.