University of Akron eliminates baseball program amid cost cutting measures

The University of Akron announced Friday that the Zips baseball program would be eliminated, part of a larger $40 million plan to cut costs at the university that has a "$60 million financial problem," according to Akron president Scott Scarborough.

Additionally 215 positions will be eliminated, described as a "planned reduction in workforce." Those employees who will have their positions abolished will be made aware later this month.

Scarborough outlined a three year plan to repair the schools troubled finances. Other measures include eliminating non-academic programming, outsourcing dining services, renegotiating heath-care plans and changing the university's policies regarding retirement and rehiring.

Change has been frequent since Scarborough joined Akron in 2014. Last year, the university had a projected $18.9 million spending gap that it eventually balanced by eliminating about 40 mostly vacant positions and increasing tuition and fees.

Talk of eliminating the baseball program had surrounded the team over the course of the last couple of weeks. Members of the team were notified via email by UA coach Rick Rembielak according to Rick Armon of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Akron baseball was arguably the biggest surprise of 2015. The Zips finished the regular season under .500 before as an 8 seed advancing to the semifinals of the MAC Baseball Tournament. Akron was eliminated with a 9-8 loss to the Ball State Cardinals.