DATE: March 8, 2009 

FROM: UVM Parent liaison baseball/softball – Ronald D. Paquette - - 802-467-3087 – cell 802-236-2649

The topic of this press conference is supported by the 2000 signatures on petitions and the entire Vermont baseball/softball community. These friends, family and supporters feel that the “rush to judgment” to cut UVM baseball/softball is not accurate in facts or financial data used in the decision. The decision if left to stand will change UVM policy, the mission of the Athletic Department, and will be in contrast to NCAA philosophy concerning participation in sports by student athletics. 

Copies of the signed petition and letter with supporting documentation were sent to each member of UVM Board of Trustees March 7, 2009. The letter requests the Trustees to reconsider the decision to cut the baseball/softball teams at the end of this season made the Athletic Department. The letter identifies how this decision will drastically change current UVM policy and is not supported by clear facts or financial data. It gives specific examples that use long range strategic fiscal planning to keep all 20 current sports at UVM with only minor financial adjustments across the board which will preserve the integrity and historic legacy of UVM athletic programs without narrowing and reducing UVM sports teams to only those who generate revenue and compete for national titles as currently proposed by the UVM Athletic Director. Vermonters financially support 22% of operational cost of UVM with their tax dollars. Vermonters and friends in the larger Vermont baseball/softball community want its only state university to continue to have Division I baseball and softball teams to keep alive the childhood dream, like Justin Milo, inspired by legends such as Kirk McCaskill, Jack Leggett and Bill Currier to play America’s game at the highest levels.

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