Officials: Montclair State will maintain lacrosse programs as NCAA sports
The university initially stated last year that the teams would be demoted due to strained financial resources and the realigning of athletics and recreation sports at the school.
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Montclair State University has reversed its decision to change men's and women's lacrosse to a club sport.
The Division III NCAA lacrosse program was set to transition into a club sport this coming fall. It was a decision made by the university due to "strained financial resources." However, it caused an uproar from the lacrosse community, including athletes who would have had to transfer to continue playing at the same level.
On Wednesday, Montclair officials shared that funds raised by supporters will now be used to secure the financial stability of the program.
RELATED: Montclair State to transition lacrosse programs to club sports
“As stewards of state funding, and the lowest-funded public institution on a per-student basis, we are forced to make tough resource allocation decisions,” university president Jonathan Koppell wrote in a statement. "I am pleased that we are able to partner with a dedicated group of supporters, including alumni, parents and current student-athletes, who believe in what Montclair State Lacrosse represents – tradition, excellence, and opportunity – while still being able to expand opportunities for all students to engage in athletics at a competitive level."
Koppell said that the reinstatement will “not impact any additional aspects of Montclair’s realigned athletics and recreation programs.”
