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George Washington Cuts DIVING

The worsening economy is beginning to reveal itself in collegiate athletics.  Days after Vermont and Northern Iowa announced the elimination of some sports, George Washington University announces it will discontinue its men's and women's diving programs effective immediately, GW Director of Athletics Jack Kvancz has announced.

[Ed note - the original headline read GWU is cutting swimming - this is incorrect and we apologize for the error.]

"With the conclusion of the 2009 Atlantic 10 Swimming & Diving Championships, we have elected to discontinue our diving programs. This move will allow us to better focus our resources on our men's and women's swimming programs," Kvancz said.

"Clearly the downturn played a role, but this is something we've been discussing for a while," Kvancz told the Associated Press. "Maybe that was enough to shove us over the fence."

The economic motivation is worrisome for many sports.  While the NCAA reports championship travel costs are down 2.3% this year, the Center on Budget and Policies Priorities reports that thirty-two states were cutting or planned to cut higher education in the coming budget cycle.

The university will assist the two divers should they wish to transfer to another institution to participate during the 2009-10 season.

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