A fight is brewing at the University of British Columbia on the future of its athletic program, which is undergoing a comprehensive review for the first time in many years.
On one side are donors who have given money to sports programs, unhappy at possible changes.
“I’ve been part of the athletic program for 53 years, and this is not funny,” says Marty Zlotnik, an influential fundraiser who has helped raise millions for UBC’s department of Athletics and Recreation.
On the other side are university administrators who aren’t protecting any sports – including high-profile teams like hockey and football – from possible changes.
“We’re looking inward, and deciding how best to spend resources,” says Ashley Howard, the newly appointed Director of Athletics. She says that the end result of the review could give more resources to some sports, but downgrade others.
“From my personal perspective, a more focused approach at the highest level…is important.”
UBC’s review was spurred after the school decided not to apply to the NCAA in 2011. An external report followed, examining the strengths and weaknesses of the entire department.
The report highlighted the success of the varsity teams – they annually win more national championships than any other school in Canada, and alumni give back to the program in large numbers. But it also found the department was isolated on campus, had low attendance to games, did little to benefit non-athletes, and had an unclear mandate on which sports mattered and why.
The department is wide ranging, with 29 varsity teams, several clubs, an extensive intramural program and a number of modern facilities. Some programs – like swimming or volleyball – produce Olympic athletes and win national championships every year, but the quality varies.
However, the program operates on a somewhat fixed budget, as all students pay a mandatory $200 fee. If UBC expands resources available to some sports, or creates more club and recreational opportunities for all students, some teams would have to be cut or downgraded.
And if UBC were to downgrade sports, many have an idea what would be targeted.
“Football could be, hockey could be,” says Zlotnik. “They’re the big ticket items, they cost a lot of money, and there’s unhappiness with the lack of participation.”
The review is in its early stages. No decision will be made on any sport for some time to come.
Zlotnik, however, believes the fix is in. He and other donors have initiated a very public campaign critical of UBC, raising the specter of donors withholding money if things are changed.
“They have an agenda,” he says.
“I don’t think UBC should be an incubator for the Olympics, and that’s what they’re trying to do.”
For their part, the university says they just want an athletic program where resources are spent effectively, and fans come out to games.
“We can enhance the environment,” says Howard.
“But we need to fill the seats, we need to be relevant, we need to reach out with a really strong legacy of teams that get a whole school spirit.”