U. of Neb.-Omaha plans to move to Division I

Published Mar. 13, 2011 8:34 p.m. ET

foxsports

University of Nebraska at Omaha officials says the elimination of the school's football and wrestling teams is necessary to make the athletic program financially sustainable.

The school announced Sunday that it will disband those teams as part of its switch to the Summit League for Division I play. UNO will add men's soccer and golf.

Athletic director Trev Alberts says the football team is a drain on the $9.5 million athletic budget and the wrestling team would need more funds to become competitive at a higher level. He says the athletic program could face financial collapse in five years if the changes aren't made.

Alberts says the school will honor the scholarships already awarded for football and wrestling and provide coaches with separation packages.

University regents must approve the changes.