HACC has reversed course on previously announced sports cutbacks, restoring several programs through the next academic year.
On Wednesday, the Harrisburg-based community college stated that it will continue men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball through the 2026-27 school year.
Last week, HACC stated that it would cut those programs as part of a plan to reduce costs as it attempts to narrow a large budget deficit. On Wednesday, HACC stated it had decided to continue the programs after hearing from students and “other stakeholders.” It also said it had “identified funding” to continue the sports as it seeks a longer-term funding solution for those programs.
“This update reflects HACC’s commitment to listening to our stakeholders and supporting our students” HACC said, in a statement. “We recognize that athletics plays an important role in helping students build discipline, teamwork, leadership, school pride and a stronger connection to the college.”
The sports programming cuts came a few weeks after the college announced it will be making changes and downsizing due to compounding pressures that “could have resulted in a deficit approaching $10 million without intervention.” As a result, numerous academic programs were cut.
In addition, HACC soon will have new leadership, as Daniel Lufkin will begin as school president in June, replacing long-time President and CEO John “Ski” Sygielski.
