KPU cuts funding to varsity teams

Soccer, golf, basketball to see their final seasons.

KPU has clipped the Eagles’ wings with the announcement of major cuts to the varsity athletics programs. It’s all aligned with the “strategic direction” for KPU’s Vision 2018 and academic plan.

“As our budget shifts to better align with the achievement of the goals of the plan, we have determined we cannot make the substantial investment in staff, coaches and facilities necessary to become competitive in varsity athletics,” said an announcement on the KPU athletics webpage.

The university will now revoke their membership with PACWEST, the governing institution for collegiate/institutional athletics in B.C.

It’s expected that the Eagles will play a final year of soccer and golf in Fall 2015, and possibly a final basketball season in Spring 2016.

KPU plans to host a forum later so that student athletes and their families have an opportunity to discuss these changes.

“Absolutely appalled and heartbroken,” said Chantalle Bracken, KPU Eagles basketballer, in a Facebook status.

“We have countless people who bust their asses for this program with shit pay already, but there were ‘plans’ to make this program a booming one. This program has given us countless opportunities thanks to our amazing coaches and we’re having that ripped away from us. We’re not going down without a fight.”
More to come.