Appalachian State’s athletic department cuts three sports amid coronavirus pandemic

Appalachian State became the latest North Carolina college to cut sports from its athletics program.

On Tuesday, the school announced on its website that the Mountaineers were cutting men’s soccer, men’s tennis and men’s indoor track & field. The cutting of these programs is effective immediately.

The decision, which was made due to financial concerns during the coronavirus pandemic, was supported by Chancellor Sheri Everts and the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees, the university posted on its website. If these athletes want to return and incoming signees still want to attend App. State, scholarships will be honored.

After the cuts, App State has 17 NCAA Division I sports. The cutting of the three sports equals a $5 million reduction in the budget of the Mountaineers’ athletic department, the website said.

Last week ECU cut four athletic programs — men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s tennis - to save $4.9 million dollars.

This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 5:44 PM.