WSSU to realign athletics program

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has announced a realignment of its athletics programs that will return men’s golf as a varsity sport and eliminate baseball.

Men’s golf is expected to debut in spring 2020. The 2019 season will be baseball’s last at WSSU.

The decision is a result of a careful analysis of the athletics department budget and roster of sports. In 2017, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) eliminated baseball as a conference sport, forcing the university’s program to play as an independent. The costs associated with playing as an independent are significantly higher. By making this transition, all 10 WSSU varsity sports will be aligned with the CIAA.

WSSU will continue to honor its agreements with student-athletes on the baseball team who have athletics scholarships. The university will work with any student-athletes who wish to transfer their credits and eligibility if they choose to compete at another university.

“Eliminating a sport is always painful,” said interim Director of Athletics George Knox. “Our first concern is the academic and athletic experience of our student-athletes. We will work with the team members who are affected by this decision to ensure their success either here at WSSU or at other universities. While we are sad to say goodbye to the sport, the team’s successes will always be a part of this university’s history.”

There are 35 men on the roster for baseball with four scheduled to graduate in May. The university expects to bring on a roster of up to eight student-athletes with the addition of men’s golf.

Recruitment for a part-time coach will begin this spring with the goal of filling the position by July 1.

WSSU’s last Winston-Salem-based baseball game will be on Tuesday, April 23, at BB&T Ballpark. The last scheduled game will be on Sunday, April 28, in Asheboro.

For more information on WSSU Athletics, please visit www.WSSURams.com.