Hartwick College, one of the most famous names in college soccer, will be converting its men's soccer program and women's water polo programs from Division I to Division III (non-athletic scholarship) status.
Hartwick currently competes at the D3 level in all other sports.
The programs will remain at the Division I in 2004, but the move was no surprise, as the Oneonta, N.Y., school had been looking at cost-cutting measures. Hartwick President Richard Miller termed the move ''inevitable.''
Long-time men's soccer coach Jim Lennox left after the 2002 season.
Lennox led the 'Wick to the 1977 NCAA Division I title. It reached the final four seven times in 22 tournament appearances. The Warriors went 15-2-1 in 2003 but didn't receive a bid, in large part due its weak schedule.
The news came three days after a bid to prevent Division III schools from sponsoring Division I sports and offering scholarships failed at the NCAA Convention. Hartwick neighbor Oneonta State also has a men's soccer program that competes in Division I.