It turns out the University of Hartford's One Shining Moment was probably just that.
Weeks after the Hawks' first appearance in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, the entire university athletic department seems destined for non-scholarship Division III.
The university announced Thursday night that its Board of Regents had voted to make the move to D-III, effective in the fall of 2025.
Finances were a considerable factor in the decision, which drew student protests when it was in the rumor stage. University president Gregory Woodward had commissioned a report recommending the downgrade.
The study, prepared by Maryland-based Carr Sports Consulting, says the university's "current Division I funding model is not viable:"
Board chair David Gordon issued this statement: “Intercollegiate athletics has long been an integral part of the University of Hartford student experience and that will not change. At the same time, a move to Division III will allow the University to further strengthen the academic, co-curricular, and wellness experience for all students. While we know this decision will disappoint some members of our community, we remain confident that this shift is in the best long-term interests of the institution and all its students.”
The prospect of a downgrade to D-III has been a considerable topic of interest on campus and among alumni. Tim Blaisdell, whose son is a junior and a pitcher for the Hawks baseball team, says of the players, "a lot of them came here because it's a Division I opportunity to play athletics. Obviously, they're not going to be going pro and stuff like that, but Division I athletics is a good time. U Hart's a good school, but I think they came here to play (D-1) sports and get a good education."
While it's true that most D-I athletes don't go pro, Hartford has sent a few to professional sports, including Houston Astros great Jeff Bagwell and the NBA's Vin Baker, who starred in Milwaukee and Seattle before spending time with the Knicks and Celtics.
Board members were not made available for further comment Thursday night; WTIC is told one member will be available to speak on Friday afternoon.
“As we transition to this new model for intercollegiate athletics in the coming years," says University President Gregory Woodward, "I am energized by the opportunities we will have to support the success of all of our students, including our student-athletes.”