WTNH News 8 in Connecticut reported that Gregory Woodward had commissioned an outside study that argued Hartford could save $10 million if it dropped its athletics programs from Division I to Division III. The school sponsors 15 sports, plus a men’s and women’s eSports team.
The university will file its intent to move to Division III with the NCAA in January of 2022. If approved, the university with work with the NCAA on the reclassification process to prepare for an active membership in Division III for no later than Sept. 1, 2025.
Board of Regents vice chair Kathy Behrens, who played tennis at the University of Hartford during the time the school transitioned from Division II to Division I in the 1984-85 school year, said the move was not strictly motivated by finances.
“I don’t think I would characterize it as a strictly financial decision,” she said. “I think the board felt this was a better path for the long-term success of the university.”
The move came about two months after the Hartford men’s basketball team won its first conference title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. The Hawks lost in the first round to Baylor, the eventual national champion, but garnered national attention.
The university will file its intent to move to Division III with the NCAA in January of 2022. If approved, the university with work with the NCAA on the reclassification process to prepare for an active membership in Division III for no later than Sept. 1, 2025.
Board of Regents vice chair Kathy Behrens, who played tennis at the University of Hartford during the time the school transitioned from Division II to Division I in the 1984-85 school year, said the move was not strictly motivated by finances.
“I don’t think I would characterize it as a strictly financial decision,” she said. “I think the board felt this was a better path for the long-term success of the university.”
The move came about two months after the Hartford men’s basketball team won its first conference title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. The Hawks lost in the first round to Baylor, the eventual national champion, but garnered national attention.
