FAIRBORN — Wright State University announced May 19 that Intercollegiate Athletics will implement cost-cutting measures that will eliminate men’s and women’s swimming & diving, effective immediately.

Athletics expects to save approximately $500,000 annually in scholarship costs, salaries, team budgets, travel and facility maintenance, once all of the cutbacks are fully realized. The department will continue to honor the financial aid of all student-athletes affected until they graduate. These student-athletes will be permitted, by NCAA rules, to transfer to another institution without penalty.

According to the wsuraiders.com website, the WSU swimming and diving team was made up of 22 men and 16 women, from 10 states and Canada. Thirty one of those student-athletes are underclassmen.

The Raiders program currently lists two area student athletes on its roster: Mitchell Paul, a Beavercreek grad who competed in freestyle, butterfly and individual medley events, is a senior; and Xenia grad Abby Saner competed in butterfly, breaststroke and IM events. She is a junior.

“This is the most difficult decision I have been involved with since it will have such a large impact on the lives of our student-athletes and staff,” Wright State director of athletics Bob Grant said. “These student-athletes have been great ambassadors for the University, in and out of competition.”

“We have spent the past few months working with the University leadership to find ways to help with the financial crisis on campus,” Grant said. “Unfortunately, in these difficult times, we need to do what is in the long-term, best interests of the University.”

Grant met with the coaches involved in the decision on May 18, and the student-athletes were informed Friday morning.