Rumors Surrounding University of Hartford Athletics
Image Courtesy of Hartford Hawks Athletics
April 15, 2021
As all of you may know, there are rumors surrounding the University of Hartford and their spot in Division I athletics. In the recent week or so, an email was leaked between our school president and a faculty member regarding the school’s standing in Division I. Per the email exchange, President Woodward was trying to get the help of a University professor to aid in the downgrade to Division III athletics.
Students and faculty did not know about this situation. Reports first surfaced from WTNH Channel 8 news, followed by local newspapers, Barstool Sports, and ESPN’s own Scott Van Pelt. In addition to media coverage, Alumni have also spoken out about this issue. Two alumni, Erik Ostberg (Tampa Bay Rays) and Sean Newcomb (Atlanta Braves) are both professional baseball players who took to social media to voice their opinions. Current Hartford Men’s basketball team player D.J. Mitchell stated, “We believe the University will be making a mistake in downgrading to Division III – just at the point when the program is succeeding.”
As these statements were claimed, it has led our fellow athletes into a world of unknowns. Will they still be able to play their sport that they came here for? Are they going to have to transfer out? There are many questions the athletes have but have gotten no answers. Here at the Informer, we are in full support of our athletics. It has been an honor covering you all, in your respective sports, and we hope to keep doing so at the Division I level in the years to follow.
There is a petition currently available for students and the University of Hartford community to sign to keep Harford Athletics in Division I. To sign the petition, follow the link below:
Pete DeMartin • Apr 18, 2021 at 2:52 pm
As an alum of UH I’ve been surprised by how little Woodward has communicated or sought input from anyone at all. There has been zero outreach to alumni to speak of. How is that even possible? Anyway, keep up the good work. Go Hawks!
Kathy • Apr 15, 2021 at 2:36 pm
Good story. Woodward needs to go. To target athletics is a foolish approach to getting support. The business, medical or engineering programs don’t have a fan base or even a donor base like athletics does. You won’t find media segments on “Today in Engineering”..but thank goodness for ESPN, and professional athletes,and alumni and conscientious college students who understand the importance of this program If he wants to raise money…stop accepting 75% of applicants at 60,000 a year and having to fork over scholarships to keep them and their 2.8 GPA going. The athletes are scholars in the UHart program….most well over that number. Woodward is not fit to head a dog run much less a University. He has lied enough and if you compare his letters to different people, you will see that he continues to lie. Woodward out NOW! We need a supportive Prez!
Kathy • Apr 15, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Good story. Woodward needs to go. To target athletics is a foolish approach to getting support. The business, medical or engineering programs don’t have a fan base or even a donor base like athletics does. You won’t find media segments on “Today in Engineering”..but thank goodness for ESPN, and professional athletes,and alumni and conscientious college students who understand the importance of this program If he wants to raise money…stop accepting 75% of applicants at 60,000 a year and having to fork over scholarships to keep them and their 2.8 GPA going. The athletes are scholars in the UHart program….most well over that number. Woodward is not fit to head a dog run much less a University. He has lied enough and if you compare his letters to different people, you will see that he continues to lie. Woodward out NOW!