Softball and Skiing have been cut from UBC's varsity status, and the rest will live to literally play another day.
The school has announced the final results of its sport targeting review, and women's Softball, men's and women's Alpine Skiing, and men's and women's Nordic skiing were the only sports to lose varsity status, now relegated (or realigned, according to UBC's press release from Friday) to competitive club status.
"We now have a strong new model that sharpens our focus on excellence," said Louise Cowin, VP Students, who has led UBC's sport review. "While keeping 24 teams, our approach will concentrate resources where teams are demonstrating success in achieving our vision."
President Stephen Toope, who has been criticized for his role during the sport review, also spoke in UBC's release.
"This review has re-energized support for UBC's teams," said Toope. "Our community has told us they want as many varsity teams as possible, and they want the opportunity to help us achieve our vision. We've heard them, and we look forward to seeing this translated into solid action in the months ahead."
A total of 24 varsity teams have retained their status, with seven sports receiving "enhanced support", 13 sports receiving "limited enhancements", and four sports "given more time to pursue hybrid funding".
They are as follows:
Teams to receive enhanced support (seven)
Basketball: men and women
Football: men
Swimming: men and women
Volleyball: men and women
Teams to receive current support with some limited enhancements (thirteen)
Cross country: men and women
Field hockey: women
Golf: men and women
Ice hockey: women
Rowing: men and women
Rugby: men
Soccer: men and women
Track and field: men and women
Teams, each in unique situations, given more time to pursue hybrid funding (four)
Baseball: men
Field hockey: men
Ice hockey: men
Rugby: women
The decision will take effect by September 1, 2015, which gives each sport a chance to play out one final year under their current varsity arrangement.
