Wichita State University
News Release
Wichita State University announced today that the university is discontinuing its NCAA men's and women’s golf programs, effective immediately.
This difficult decision followed a careful and comprehensive evaluation of Wichita State’s athletics portfolio and resource allocation, as the university balances rising operational costs with the need to preserve the long-term financial stability and competitive strength of Shockers Athletics.
"Today marks a difficult moment for our department. This decision was not made lightly and reflects deep and deliberate consideration,” said Director of Athletics Kevin Saal. "I have the utmost respect for Head Coaches Judd Easterling and Tom McCurdy and our student-athletes. Our men's and women's golf teams have a proud tradition and history and have represented Wichita State with integrity and distinction."
The decision reflects the university’s responsibility to steward its resources in a way that ensures the long-term sustainability of Shockers Athletics amid an increasingly complex and costly collegiate athletics landscape. The expenses required to operate and maintain an NCAA Division I program are growing at a pace that exceeds cost-containment efforts across the athletics program. In this environment, the university must make difficult but necessary choices to uphold its broader commitments to financial stability and institutional priorities.
Wichita State is committed to supporting all affected student-athletes.
“Supporting our student-athletes throughout this transition remains our top priority,” Saal said. “We are committed to providing the tools, guidance and support necessary to help them make informed decisions about their next steps.”
Dedicated support staff will work directly with each student-athlete and help address their academic, athletic, and personal needs during this transition. Student athletes who choose to continue their education at Wichita State will continue to receive their existing financial assistance, subject to applicable NCAA and university eligibility standards and requirements. For those who wish to pursue athletic opportunities at other institutions, Wichita State will offer individualized guidance and support services to assist with the transfer process.
The university recognizes the proud tradition and lasting contributions of Wichita State golf.
“We are deeply grateful to the student-athletes, coaches, alumni and supporters who have contributed to the legacy of Wichita State golf,” Saal said.
Wichita State remains committed to sustaining a competitive, broad-based NCAA Division I athletics program aligned with the university’s mission and long-term institutional priorities.
A virtual news conference will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. Credentialed media, email paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu for a Zoom link.
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About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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