University of Minnesota President Mark Yudof today (Thursday, April 11) released the university's plan to trim a projected $21 million budget deficit in intercollegiate athletics by $8.5 million over the next five years.    The three-phase plan, developed by Tonya Moten Brown, vice president and chief of staff, is built on expense reductions and new investments. It includes reorganizing the separate men's and women's athletics departments into one, reducing expenses by nearly $4.4 million over five years, and $1.25 million in new investments to improve financial management and fundraising and development capacity in the department. The plan includes a recommendation that three teams, men's and women's golf and men's gymnastics, be eliminated.    Expressing strong support for intercollegiate athletics and the role they play in building pride and community, Yudof indicated the future is bright. "This plan is an important step toward ensuring that intercollegiate athletics lives within its means," said Yudof. "I believe that the actions we take today will strengthen intercollegiate athletics at the University of Minnesota, and our student athletes will enjoy even greater levels of competitive and academic success."    The reorganization of the department was a necessary first step, Moten Brown explained. "Streamlining administrative functions and improving efficiency is our first choice for reducing costs," she said. "In our judgment, separate departments have fostered competition and rivalry, which has undermined collaboration and contributed to the financial challenge we face today."    A national search will begin immediately for a new athletics director, and implementation of the new structure will begin by July 1. In remarks on the reorganization, Yudof reiterated his support for women's athletics. "We will look for a leader with a demonstrated record of supporting and encouraging women's athletics and female student athletes. We expect women to hold leadership roles in the department and have an equal place at the table."    The plan recommends eliminating three of the university's 23 intercollegiate sports--men's and women's golf and men's gymnastics--which would reduce expenses by $3.6 million over five years.    Cutting athletic opportunities for students is always a last resort," said Yudof. "We know that this is a painful recommendation for many people. Difficult as it is, our only option may be to sustain excellence on a smaller scale rather than risk mediocrity across the board."    The three teams in the recommendation, which together field 44 student athletes, were chosen after a number of models were analyzed against university priorities. These priorities include maximizing expense reduction while maintaining competitive opportunities; compliance with Title IX; and preserving or increasing diversity, revenues, attendance at home events, scholarship opportunities for Minnesota residents, the ability to compete locally, and Minnesota high school participation rates.    The recommendation to eliminate teams will be acted on by the university's Advisory Committee on Athletics, consistent with its policies. In the next month, the board of regents will take a position on the appropriate amount of university support to intercollegiate athletics. That level of support is currently approximately $10.8 million annually. The board's decision in this matter will have a bearing on the elimination of teams, but the final decision will be administrative. A decision is expected by June.    Lastly, the plan would reduce costs by $550,000 by restructuring and extending an internal loan. As well, the university will place a three-year moratorium on nonessential facilities spending and fundraising.    To improve the financial management and oversight for intercollegiate athletics over the longer term, the university will invest $1.25 million in its financial future over five years. This will expand the development and fundraising capacity of the department and create a new chief financial officer for intercollegiate athletics.    In addition, Yudof explained, the department would be held to the same financial standards and expectations as other university colleges and units. "We expect intercollegiate athletics to have a long term financial and strategic plan that aligns with institutional priorities and norms."    Tomorrow (April 12), a detailed plan will be presented to the board of regents, which is expected to take action.    Women's Athletics Director, Chris Voelz's Public Statement  "This is the end of an era and the beginning of a new era! I came here 14 years ago with great hopes and dreams of what could be accomplished and I leave the Athletics Director position with great satisfaction and an abundance of hope! I dreamed of making a difference for girls and women, and Minnesota gave me an opportunity to contribute. I will be forever grateful that Minnesota provided me such fertile grounds for my lifework.    As of June 16, 2002, I will become a Special Consultant to the President and Athletics Director Emerita. After having spent 10 years in a merged department at the University of Oregon and the last 14 in a separate one, I hope I can be helpful in this transition.    President Yudof knows how much I valued separate departments, and the kinds of dedicated attention we could show our women, the kind of coaches we could attract, and the incredible outcomes we have achieved through this structure. He knows that I believe we have the very best supporters that any institution could ever hope to have- because of their commitment, their generosity, and their values. I respectfully disagree with the President on both the structure change and the dropping of sports.    Given the changes that are ahead, and for obvious reasons I may not have been the best person to steward this change. I know what I'm made of and it is time for me to go! President Yudof and the administration have assured me that they remain committed to gender equity and high academic standards and that they will take great measure to assure that the women are taken care of.    I am proud of our progress- the experiences we offered to the female student athletes - the academic achievement, the athletic accomplishments and their opportunities for leadership, the way in which we managed our affairs with great integrity, the community support raised to unprecedented levels and the facilities that will be here to support the next generation of student-athletes.    And to the student-athletes, the coaches, staff and the people of Minnesota, thank you for allowing me to be your Women's Athletics Director- it was a privilege.    Go Gophs!  My best,  Chris Voelz    Melissa Arthur Ringler - University of Minnesota Head Women's Golf Coach Statement  "I can't tell you how disappointed I am to learn that the administration has recommended dropping women's golf. My team and I came here to build a nationally contending program, not to see its demise. We have done nothing wrong - we have performed in the classroom and as great role models, and we have never overspent our budget. There has been irreparable damage done already, but this continued state of uncertainty causes my student-athletes to suffer further pain. It's unbelievable to think that the state that produced Patty Berg would ultimately drop the women's golf program.    I ask the media to give me and the student-athletes space so that we may focus on the remaining academic year and our competitive season."