This article has been updated with a link to additional information in an Anchorage Daily News story. ANCHORAGE — The University of Alaska Anchorage announced Wednesday a planned “reconfiguration” of the UAA Athletics Department, which will involve cutting both the men’s and women’s ski teams after the 2020/2021 school year. School leaders will seek approval of their plan, which would also cut men’s hockey and women’s gymnastics, at the upcoming Board of Regents meeting on September...
The previously scheduled rally to #savealaskaskiing suddenly became more a celebration than a wake, as local supporters gathered in Anchorage on Thursday afternoon to celebrate that morning’s decision and talk about what comes next. Another gathering was held in Fairbanks at the same time.
#savealaskaskiing may have achieved its mission, as the NCAA’s decision not to take any action on the University of Alaska’s waiver request has led the school’s president to recommend against eliminating any sports on either campus.
UAA nordic coach Andrew Kastning may have a new baby and a new job search arrive at the same time next spring. His athletes may need to apply to college again for the second time in two years. Behind the dollars and cents, the human cost of the proposed end of UAA skiing.
University of Alaska officials previously suggested that all sports had been viewed equally as they attempted to balance the budget. But new documents appear to suggest that men's ice hockey is more equal than others.
As news spread of the pending end of Alaska's two NCAA ski programs, prominent alumni and local skiers begin to weigh in. Brian Gregg, Sadie Bjornsen, Holly Brooks, and others share their reactions.
The University of Alaska president has recommended two options that could preserve the future of intercollegiate skiing at one or both of Alaska’s NCAA member schools – but both options may be without precedent in modern NCAA history. The final decision will be made by the Board of Regents in mid-November.