Amidst cheers of elation, shouts of joy and a collective sigh of relief, Chancellor Gary Miller announced there would be not cuts to the UNC Wilmington athletic department.

 

The atmosphere in the Burney Center on campus was charged with tension early Thursday morning, May 30, as members of the press, administration and groups from the five sports recently recommended for elimination by the IARC awaited Miller’s announcement.

 

Miller said that he hadn’t made his mind up until late Wednesday night.

 

Linda A. Pearce, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said the board had assumed Miller would accept the IARC’s recommendations and eliminate the sports.

 

On May 15 the IARC released a report that, in part, recommended cutting five sports from UNCW’s athletic portfolio.

 

Miller met with members and coaches of each of the teams, members of the board of trustees, advisers and major athletic donors in the days that followed the recommendations.

 

In February Miller stated that, “We have come a long way over the past few years, and with a reinvigorated commitment to making our program a vital part not only of the university but of the community, we have many more wins ahead – literally and figuratively.”

 

At the press conference Miller said the Seahawk community’s “reinvigorated commitment” will aid in the future of the athletic program.

 

“It’s clear to me that there is a great passion for Seahawk athletics and an even greater passion for future successes,” Miller said.

 

Miller said cuts to the sports program are a last resort but the outpouring of support from the community needs to continue.

 

There needs to be a continued understanding that an increase in revenue must be achieved to sustain the 19 teams at UNCW, said Miller.  Those needs can be met through partnership, sponsorship, ticket sales and gifts to the program. 

 

While many UNCW student- athletes, coaches, staff and supporters are relieved by this announcement, Miller made clear that it didn’t come without a caveat. 

 

“We will continue all 19 sports programs with an understanding and expectation that we can find the resources and partnerships with this community and through our initiatives to give these student athletes the support they deserve,” he said. 

 

The IARC’s report pointed to glaring deficiencies, not just financially but in the leadership as well, and given the view of Chairwoman Pearce the future of Seahawk athletics isn’t as secure as many would like to hope.

 

“We still have to figure this thing out. It’s a beast that is growing each day.” Pearce said, at a board meeting following the press conference.  “The public is going to have to help but I’m concerned the public can’t do it all. We’re going to really have to find folks who can help us out.”

 

For now Miller, student-athletes, coaches, administration staff and others seem poised for a successful Athletic session-content with the decision and conscious of the work ahead.