Wichita State University Discontinues Men’s and Women’s Golf Programs

Wichita State University announced on Tuesday that its men’s and women’s golf teams will be discontinued effective immediately. The university cited long-term financial sustainability as the primary reason, describing the modern college athletics environment as “increasingly complex and costly.”

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The move reflects a growing trend of cost-containment across NCAA institutions. In recent weeks, Arkansas, Saint Louis and North Dakota eliminated both men’s and women’s tennis programs. Illinois State dropped its men’s tennis team, and Gardner-Webb announced the end of its men’s and women’s tennis squads for the current season. Wichita State’s decision aligns with these broader reductions in non-revenue sports.

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• Kevin Saal – Director of athletics, Wichita State, who issued the university’s statement.

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• Tom McCurdy – Head coach of the women’s golf team.

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• Judd Easterling – Head coach of the men’s golf team.

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The men’s golf program, founded in 1935, amassed 29 NCAA tournament appearances and 21 conference titles, making it one of the most decorated teams in school history. In the most recent American Conference Championship, the women’s squad, led by McCurdy, finished eighth, while Easterling’s men’s team placed tenth.

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Director of athletics Kevin Saal emphasized that the decision “was not made lightly and reflects deep and deliberate consideration.” He noted the university’s commitment to preserving financial stability while acknowledging the proud tradition of the golf programs.

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The termination ends Wichita State’s participation in NCAA golf competition, removing a pathway for current and prospective student-athletes to compete in the sport at the university. The action underscores heightened fiscal scrutiny of non-revenue athletics and may influence other institutions evaluating the sustainability of similar programs.

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• “Today marks a difficult moment for our department. This decision was not made lightly and reflects deep and deliberate consideration,” — Kevin Saal, director of athletics, Wichita State University

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• “Our men's and women's golf teams have a proud tradition and history and have represented Wichita State with integrity and distinction,” — Kevin Saal

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• “increasingly complex and costly.” — Kevin Saal

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*All information is drawn exclusively from the provided source material.*

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