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CALGARY – Dinos Athletics is pleased to announce that both field hockey and men’s soccer will remain varsity sports at the University of Calgary in 2009-10 after the establishment of alternative funding models for both programs.

Funding cuts as the result of a program review and restructuring of the Athletics Department were announced April 15, opening up the possibility that the two teams could be withdrawn from CIS competition prior to the fall of 2009. Over the past two weeks, however, the field hockey and soccer communities were able to work with Dinos Athletics to create a viable plan to fund the teams through the 2009 varsity season.

“I am confident that we have feasible, sustainable go-forward plans for both field hockey and men’s soccer,” said Kevin Boyles, director of athletics. “This is a credit to the alumni of each program, who were able to rally support for their teams and provide solid solutions to the funding issues facing Dinos Athletics.”

The Dinos Field Hockey Alumni Association and the Calgary Dinosaur Soccer Club have taken the lead and will provide both the financial and leadership support required.

“We’re very pleased that we’ve been able to work with Dinos Athletics to keep field hockey alive at the University of Calgary in 2009,” said Ramona Mueller, president of the field hockey alumni group. “We still need additional support to ensure the long-term viability of the program, but this is certainly a good first step in the right direction.”

“We are relieved to know that our student-athletes will continue to have the opportunity to compete in Canada West and CIS,” said Boyles. “Without the passion and commitment of our alumni this would not have been possible and we are very grateful for their support.”

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