Stanford cuts nearly a dozen sports

Stanford already was facing some difficult financial choices as it tried to support one of the nation’s largest athletics departments.

The coronavirus pandemic forced a dramatic and painful decision: Faced with a nearly $25 million deficit next year, Stanford became the first known Power Five school to eliminate athletic programs because of the pandemic, announcing that 11 of its 36 varsity sports will be shuttered next year.

The school will discontinue men’s and women’s fencing, field hockey, lightweight rowing, men’s rowing, co-ed and women’s sailing, squash, synchronized swimming, men’s volleyball and wrestling after the 2020-21 academic year. Stanford also is eliminating 20 support staff positions.

“As you can imagine this has been a heartbreaking day for all of us, especially with those student-athletes and coaches involved,” athletic director Bernard Muir said.

“We came to this decision only after exhausting all other viable alternatives. It recently became painfully clear we would not remain financially stable and support 36 varsity sports at a nationally competitive level, which is what we desire.”

Northwestern’s football game against Wisconsin scheduled for Nov. 7 at Wrigley Field in Chicago is being moved to Ryan Field on campus because of uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh said he was closing in on a contract extension before coping with the COVID-19 pandemic became a top priority for all involved in the discussions.

Vanderbilt has laid off at least two people with six more forced to re-apply for their jobs as the Southeastern Conference’s lone private school works to merge its athletics communications department with the university’s main communications office.