Report: University of Richmond set to drop men’s soccer program
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on Friday that the University of Richmond is preparing to announce that it will discontinue its NCAA men’s soccer program, effective next year.
The current 2012 campaign would be the final year of NCAA participation for the Spiders, who are 2-5 thus far this season and host VMI at Robins Stadium tonight at 7 p.m.
They are currently coached by alumni Leigh Cowlishaw, the Richmond Kickers head coach who stepped in to replace Clint Peay earlier this year.
The apparent reasoning for the move is to make room for the school’s men’s lacrosse program to assume full varsity status, while remaining fully compliant with Title IX regulations requiring a balance between men’s and women’s sports.
Richmond is apparently also dropping its varsity men’s track and field program as part of this process.
“Soccer awards about eight scholarships. Track awards none,” writes Times-Dispatch reporter John O’Connor.
“Those on scholarships for soccer will be able to stay on scholarship at UR.”
The Spiders men have advanced to the NCAA Tournament on three occasions.
