Originally published July 9, 2009 at 6:58 PM | Page modified July 9, 2009 at 8:13 PM

WSU athletics trims budget, no sports cut

None of the steps involved the elimination of sports or scholarships at Washington State University.

Washington State University's athletic department Thursday announced steps it is taking to compensate for an anticipated $350,000 decrease in University support as well as an expected drop in other revenue and a 14 percent tuition increase.

However, none of the steps involved the elimination of sports or scholarships.

Instead, the school announced it will evaluate travel squad sizes in all sports along with using ground transportation to competitions within 400 miles of Pullman. The school also announced that the printing of media guides for all sports will be greatly reduced as will the amount of professional development travel and international recruiting travel. There will also be a discontinuation of some internships and some positions will not be filled.

"The changes we have made and continue to make will allow us to maintain all 17 of our athletic programs at this time," said WSU athletic director Jim Sterk in a statement. "This is a scenario the University began planning for almost a year ago, with President (Elson) Floyd instructing all WSU departments to re-examine all facets of our business.

"For the past year we have implemented cost-saving strategies, allowing us to continue performing at the highest levels while improving fiscal efficiencies. As a member of our department recently said, 'we feel we can be efficient, yet excellent.'"

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