Due to the ongoing budget impasse, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is eliminating two athletic programs.
School officials say men's tennis and women's golf will be removed effective June 30th.
The decision impacts eight men's tennis student-athletes and eight women's golf student-athletes currently on the rosters. Director of Athletics Brad Hewitt says the 16 student-athletes will remain on their current financial aid through their senior year if they wish to stay at SIUE and achieve their degrees.
Men's tennis head coach Jason Coomer will continue his responsibilities as senior associate director of athletics, which includes serving as sport supervisor for women's tennis. Director of Golf Derrick Brown will continue in his role as men's golf head coach.
A written release from the Cougar athletic department says the decision is a result of a seven-month financial analysis conducted by the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee. It needed to reduce $200,000 in the Department of Athletics budget.
SIUE Interim Chancellor Stephen Hansen and SIU President Randy Dunn approved the committee's recommendation.
