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Petition urges UB to reconsider its sports cuts

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In response to the University at Buffalo's decision to cut four sports teams from its athletic program, a petitionhas been started to stop their elimination.

On April 3, UB announced it will be cutting men's baseball, men's soccer, men's swimming and diving and women's rowing. The decision to remove these teams was based on a review of the athletic department's budget and programs.

"The achievements of all the athletes on these teams have been on a great level," the petition says. "It is really unfair for all of these student-athletes that have been impacted by this decision. This decision got out suddenly without any heads up for them."

As of 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the petition has received 7,555 signatures with a goal of 10,000. It has also received over 1,300 comments in support of the student-athletes affected by this decision.

"I played men's soccer from 1989 to 1993 and I am utterly embarrassed and disgusted that the program has been eliminated!" one signer commented. "Shame on you UB administration!!"

Many are asking UB to reconsider and once again fund these sports.

"The denial to host athletic opportunities for student-athletes limits their ability to represent your university in they various facets of life they will contend with in the future," another person wrote.