| The Salt Lake Tribune

Cedar City -- Southern Utah University will drop its intercollegiate baseball program following the 2012 season, it was

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announced today.

The University’s Board of Trustees approved the action in its regular meeting following a recommendation by its athletic

sub-committee.

According to athletic director Ken Beazer, the school’s pending move to the Big Sky Conference coupled with the need to redirect resources to add men’s tennis led to the elimination of baseball.

The Big Sky does not sponsor baseball, but men’s tennis becomes a core sport in 2012-13.

The committee further recommended the athletic department continue to channel its resources into sports with strong conference

affiliations in order to put its "best foot forward."

"This is one of the most difficult decisions we have had to make in my time at Southern Utah University," Beazer said. "We have a long and proud baseball history at SUU and in the community, but with the move to the Big Sky we have been presented with some hard choices.

"The sub-committee did not come to this decision easily There were many factors and options considered; yet, we believe today's decision puts the University in a better position to advance its intercollegiate athletics programs.

We want to thank coach David Eldredge, his staff and all the student-athletes on the baseball team. We have committed to do

everything we can to help them with this transition and look forward to supporting them through this coming season."

Beazer indicated that existing athletic scholarships will be honored for players with remaining eligibility for one year following the 2012 season.