University of Alaska Anchorage plans to cut gymnastics team

By Patricia Duffy | August 20, 2020
University of Alaska Anchorage cuts gymnastics as part of reconfiguration
Courtesy UAA Athletics.

The University of Alaska Anchorage announced on Wednesday it plans to eliminate the UAA women’s gymnastics team as part of a reconfiguration to “preserve the [athletic] program’s long-term viability.”

The university’s financial situation has “dramatically shifted” due to recent, significant reductions in state funding, leading to the university cutting Seawolves gymnastics, as well as men’s hockey, men’s skiing, and women’s skiing.

The changes are set to go into effect for the 2021-2022 season, but the decision must be approved by the Board of Regents at a meeting that will take place Sept. 10-11, 2020.

In the meantime, the Seawolves gymnastics program isn’t going down without a fight.

The team is currently organizing a campaign to try to save the program, with more details coming soon.

Per the UAA gymnastics Facebook page, you can send feedback and your thoughts on this decision to [email protected].

There are two upcoming occasions where the team and supporters will also have the opportunity to comment on the decision. The first is a virtual town hall meeting on Aug. 26 at 5 p.m. The second is a Board of Regents public testimony on Aug. 31 at 4 p.m.

You can support UAA gymnastics by liking the team’s social pages on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and sharing, liking, and engaging with their posts. Use #SavetheSeawolves and #SaveUAAgymnastics when posting about the team.

Stay tuned to their channels for the most recent updates on this developing story.


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