This F.A.Q. was developed to answer any potential questions regarding the announcement on April 13 that UNM will discontinue it’s men’s and women’s ski program. If you have further questions, please contact Frank Mercogliano at fmercog@unm.edu or Kaley Espindola at kaleyk@unm.edu
Why was this decision made?
The current economic climate of both the state of New Mexico and for our institution is one that requires a very hard look at how we allocate our dollars and our resources.
Why is this being done now?
The department formed a budget committee that has spent several months looking at various ways to reduce our expenses and increase our revenues. The economic realities cannot be ignored, but any time that you discontinue a sport and opportunities, it needs to be a last resort, and that’s where we are at.
Why skiing as opposed to a different sport?
There are now less than 35 ski programs in the country that compete in the NCAA, and several of those do not compete full squads. There are just six other NCAA programs in the West, and when you look at the costs associated with skiing such as travel, insurance for international student-athletes, equipment and the fact that we practice three hours away, skiing made the most fiscal sense for our department.
How many student-athletes are affected?
Our ski program usually has between 20 and 24 on the roster, along with two coaches and two volunteer coaches. Due to graduation and people leaving the program, it will affect 18 of our current student-athletes. Any that would like to transfer to continue skiing at another school, we will help them to do so; and if they would like to stay at UNM and finish here, their scholarships will be honored through undergraduate degree or when they exhaust their eligibility as long as they remain eligible in accordance with UNM and NCAA rules.
If a student stays at UNM, will they have the same student-athlete amenities available to them?
Yes, they will have the same resources and support that they would normally have.
How much will the department save with the contraction of skiing?
Annually approximately $600,000.
Is the university considering other reductions in sports programs?
No
Are there any ties between this announcement and the recent search for a men’s basketball coach and the buyout for Craig Neal?
No, discussions about ways to help our bottom-line regarding our budget have been ongoing for several months among the department’s budget committee. That committee made a recommendation to Paul Krebs and he made the recommendation to the University administration. Regardless of the buyout for men’s basketball coach Craig Neal, this decision would have been made.
Is there a possibility skiing could be reinstated?
One would never say never, but in our current climate, it is not a part of the future vision of Lobo Athletics. We are moving forward with skiing off the table. For the forseeable future, our department will operate with 20 sports.