SDSU athletics facing cutbacks

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota State athletic department is cutting costs as the nation’s economic woes continue to threaten university finances.

The school’s endowment dropped $21 million between the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years.

Athletic director Justine Sell says the sports programs are in decent shape, and he doesn’t expect to see reductions in staffing or in upgrades to facilities.

But, cuts are being made elsewhere. Coaches are being asked to schedule more games closer to home, fewer media guides are being printed, and the football team will take buses to games at Missouri State and Illinois State instead of flying.

Sell says the athletic department runs 21 programs for about $10 million a year.

Tags: south dakota state, sports, sdsu, cutbacks, athletics