Interim President Ray Kieft announced today that the college’s Intercollegiate Athletics program will continue with a few minor adjustments. In October, Kieft and the college’s Board of Trustees examined the costs associated with the athletics program, questioning the level of institutional money devoted to scholarships and how much of the overall budget was funded by non-student fees.

The primary change to the athletics department will be a stronger focus on the recruitment of in-state students. Over the next five years, the department will increase the number of in-state students versus out-of-state students from a ratio of 2 to 1 to 4 to 1.

“Our coaches will focus primarily on in-state recruiting, resonating with Metro State’s role and mission of serving Denver’s seven-county region,” said Athletics Director Joan McDermott. “This cost-savings measure along with an increase of fund-raising efforts will reduce the athletics department’s reliance on general fund and tuition dollars,” she added.

“The intent was never for the athletics program to go away,” said Kieft. He explained that is the trustees’ duty, in their statutory fiduciary responsibility, to examine all college programs and activities in terms of how much money is spent and on what. In addition to athletics, the trustees are examining the costs associated with other programs.

“Through this process, the trustees have reaffirmed their commitment to Intercollegiate Athletics,” Kieft said. He added that over the last two months the trustees have considered the input of alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community. A recent student survey indicated that 70 percent of the student body was in favor of continuing to pay a $23.58 per-semester student fee to support the athletics program.

“If anything,” said Kieft, “this has created more awareness of Metro State athletics within the community. Hopefully this is a sustained commitment, and we’ll see an increase in support at games and sponsorships.”

Because of today's announcement, there will be no special public hearing addressing athletics at Wednesday's BOT meeting.