Kansas City Athletics Suspends Golf and Cross Country/Track and Field
10/22/2020 11:00:00 AM | Cross Country, General, Men's Golf, Track and Field
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Athletics has announced an eight-month suspension of the Golf, Cross Country and Track and Field programs, effective November 1. All student-athletes impacted will retain their scholarships and have the ability, if desired, to transfer.
The move comes as college athletic programs across the country are facing significant losses of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on sports competition. Due to Covid-19 challenges, the NCAA Division I Council provided the ability for Division I institutions to waive sport sponsorship limitations this year because of the ongoing global pandemic.
At UMKC, loss of auxiliary revenue – from ticket sales, concessions, and other sources – has had significant financial implications. These suspensions will allow Athletics to reduce its overall operating costs in the short-term, through layoffs and furloughs.
"This is an unprecedented season in college athletics. Our commitment to comprehensive excellence has been tested in regards to our strategic priorities and goals for 2020-2021," said Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin. "While we regret having to take this short-term step, we are confident that the upward momentum we have established for Kansas City Athletics will continue."
Since Martin's arrival in 2018, Kansas City Athletics has seen significant growth in student and community attendance and engagement, sponsorships, philanthropic support and overall departmental revenue. Dr. Martin said his department remains optimistic about the future and moving past the national pandemic challenge.
"With the continued support of our campus leadership and key stakeholders throughout Kansas City, we will compete at a high-level in the Summit League, and we hope to reestablish both our golf, track and field/cross country programs soon," Martin added.
About Kansas City Athletics
The Kansas City Roos are the NCAA Division I teams of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, providing energy, excitement and a rallying point for campus and community. UMKC, one of four University of Missouri universities, is a public university serving more than 16,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the greater Kansas City area to promote exceptional student success, conduct impactful research, and elevate our region's economy and workforce while fostering an environment welcoming to all. For more information, visit KCRoos.com or follow us on social media with the handle @KCRoosAthletics. For more information about UMKC, visit umkc.edu.
The move comes as college athletic programs across the country are facing significant losses of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on sports competition. Due to Covid-19 challenges, the NCAA Division I Council provided the ability for Division I institutions to waive sport sponsorship limitations this year because of the ongoing global pandemic.
At UMKC, loss of auxiliary revenue – from ticket sales, concessions, and other sources – has had significant financial implications. These suspensions will allow Athletics to reduce its overall operating costs in the short-term, through layoffs and furloughs.
"This is an unprecedented season in college athletics. Our commitment to comprehensive excellence has been tested in regards to our strategic priorities and goals for 2020-2021," said Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin. "While we regret having to take this short-term step, we are confident that the upward momentum we have established for Kansas City Athletics will continue."
Since Martin's arrival in 2018, Kansas City Athletics has seen significant growth in student and community attendance and engagement, sponsorships, philanthropic support and overall departmental revenue. Dr. Martin said his department remains optimistic about the future and moving past the national pandemic challenge.
"With the continued support of our campus leadership and key stakeholders throughout Kansas City, we will compete at a high-level in the Summit League, and we hope to reestablish both our golf, track and field/cross country programs soon," Martin added.
About Kansas City Athletics
The Kansas City Roos are the NCAA Division I teams of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, providing energy, excitement and a rallying point for campus and community. UMKC, one of four University of Missouri universities, is a public university serving more than 16,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the greater Kansas City area to promote exceptional student success, conduct impactful research, and elevate our region's economy and workforce while fostering an environment welcoming to all. For more information, visit KCRoos.com or follow us on social media with the handle @KCRoosAthletics. For more information about UMKC, visit umkc.edu.
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