UAA Reinstates Skiing

 The University of Alaska Board of Regents voted to reinstate the Alpine ski team at the University of Alaska Anchorage Friday.

The board's action was in response to its September decision to consider reinstatement of the program if the team could successfully reach established fundraising goals. That effort, led by head coach Sparky Anderson, resulted in local, regional and national supporters exceeding the goal of $628,000, equal to two years of operating expenses.

"I want to thank so many people who have stepped up to demonstrate the important role our program plays in our university community, across the state, and everywhere our student-athletes continue to make an impact around the world," said Head Coach Sparky Anderson. "The opportunity to innovate and collaborate with a broad spectrum of supporters from across so many communities has been a transformative experience. I'm beyond ecstatic to get back to work with our team for many years to come." 

"We are very humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support from the community in Alaska and beyond," said UAA Interim Chancellor Bruce Schultz. "Community support is essential in moving forward with greater sustainability for all athletic programs. We are proud of Seawolf Athletics and believe that all teams provide a legacy of excellence and a source of pride. We are hopeful Alpine skiing's fundraising success will be realized by the UAA hockey and gymnastics teams as well."

"The commitment and effort of our UAA Ski program and the ski community — here in Anchorage as well as across the country — was rewarded today, and we all benefit," said UAA Director of Athletics Greg Myford. "Most importantly, the UAA students who make up the Skiwolves will continue wearing the Green & Gold, while earning meaningful degrees."

The UAA ski team has produced nine national champions, nine Olympians and 157 All-Americans.

Alpine skiing's reinstatement will provide current members of the ski team stability and certainty about the future of their time at UAA. Immediate reinstatement also allows coaches to continue recruiting the high-caliber student-athletes that will be the future of UAA Skiing.

Additionally, by continuing to offer both Alpine and Nordic ski, UAA remains a contender to win a NCAA team national championship, and to host NCAA championship events. Hosting NCAA championships is only available to institutions that offer both Alpine and Nordic programs and results in increased visibility and visitation for the university and the community.

If successful in their respective fundraising efforts by February 2021, the UAA hockey and gymnastics programs also will be considered for reinstatement by the Board of Regents.