The University of Alaska-Anchorage gymnastics team is looking for community support during a time of uncertainty for their Division I program. A $4 billion budget shortfall across the state led to the ultimatum that the gymnastics program will be either eliminated or scaled back to Division II.

Below is a letter from Head Coach Paul Stoklos: 

Gymnastics Community:

Mostly due to the consistent decline in oil revenues over the last several years, the State of Alaska is currently in a deep recession. Alaska faces a $4 billion budget shortfall and that shortfall is drastically impacting fiscal budgets throughout the entire state. The University System is no exception to this and unfortunately that trickles down to the University Intercollegiate Athletic programs as well.

The proposed cuts to the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Athletics programs are outlined in three options (see the Athletics Report link below for details). The University of Alaska President and the University Board of Regents will review the proposals over the next several months to decide on an option, or variation thereof, to implement beginning in the 2017-18 academic year. Two of the three proposed options would eliminate our NCAA Division I Gymnastics Team and the third option would maintain our Gymnastics Team, but demote it to the Division II level.  

I would like to rally as much backing as possible for our intercollegiate Gymnastics Team ahead of any decisions being made. If you are willing, please read the Athletics Report and then use the second link to provide feedback in support of the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolf Gymnastics Team.  

Since moving into our new state-of-the-art practice facility within the Alaska Airlines Center in 2014, the program has shown tremendous growth both athletically and academically. In 2015-16 the team ranked 7th nationally for academic performance with a 3.64 GPA and we graduated six student-athletes, all of them earning academic honors.  

In addition, the team annually contributes up to 700 community service hours to the Anchorage community, has been a beacon of inspiration for young gymnasts in the State of Alaska, and has always represented the University of Alaska Anchorage in a positive light.

I would be grateful if you would please forward this message on to your contact-list of gymnastics supporters as well. Thank You!

1)   The Athletics Report

2)    Feedback Form

With much appreciation,

Paul Stoklos
UAA Head Gymnastics Coach