Jan. 25, 2010

Duquesne to drop baseball

The plug is being pulled on another Division I college baseball program.

Duquesne and 17-year veteran coach Mike Wilson (left) received the disappointing news Monday as the university announced it was eliminating baseball, wrestling, men's golf and men's swimming. The Dukes, coming off a 14-41 season (7-19 in the Atlantic 10) in 2009, will halt baseball after this season.

According to the school, the cuts will save more than $1 million. About 70 student athletes, four full-time coaches and one part-time coach will be affected by the move, with the coaches losing their jobs in June.

The Dukes finished third in the A-10 regular season, reached the championship round of the conference tourney and tied the school record with 26 wins in 2008. Wilson has guided Duquesne to 329 wins.

Duquesne joins the likes of Vermont and Northern Iowa as Division I programs that have been eliminated. In December, the University of New Orleans announced its intention to shift its athletics program from Division I to Division III.
 

(photo courtesy of Duquesne Media Relations Office)