Decision to cut New Mexico men’s soccer spurs anger
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The men’s soccer team at the University of New Mexico has had a dozen NCAA tournament appearances and hopefuls from around the world have competed to play for the program.
But regents at New Mexico’s flagship university voted Thursday to cut the program, which has among the highest profiles nationally of Lobos men’s sports.
The decision was met immediately by boos and heckles from some of those who packed the regents’ meeting. In the hours since, regents, lawmakers and other elected leaders have been flooded with phone messages and emails. Countless social media posts expressed everything from anger to disbelief and calls for action.
Head coach Jeremy Fishbein is among those digging in his heels.
“Our heads are down and we are focused,” he wrote in an email Friday. “New Mexico Lobo soccer is a vital part of our community and we will not be CUT! I believe in New Mexico and what is right. OUR PROGRAM IS WHAT IS RIGHT!
The team has twice reached the Final Four. There have also been a championship game appearance and conference titles over the years. Outside the successes on the field, Fishbein told regents of his players’ wins in the classroom, their community service and the inspiration they have provided to children from around New Mexico.
He said Friday that he was most concerned with his players.
The team won’t be dissolved until July 2019, and the university has promised to honor the scholarships of the affected student-athletes through their graduation. But Fishbein said large conference schools already are recruiting his players.
“Unless the wrong is righted immediately, our best and brightest may be transferring,” he said, mentioning offers from programs in the Pac-12 and Big Ten.
In presenting to regents the recommendations to cut soccer — along with men’s and women’s skiing and beach volleyball — top university officials said it would be “the right thing to do” if the athletic department has any hope of turning around its finances and meeting federal gender equality requirements under Title IX.
University President Garnett S. Stokes and athletic director Eddie Nunez pointed to an analysis of the university’s sports programs that found expenses have continued to increase, revenues have decreased and the operating budgets for each sports program have been incrementally reduced over the past decade.