Sports sponsorship: Iona College announced it will eliminate three programs -- men's ice hockey and men's and women's tennis -- effective for the 2003-04 academic year. The school also will add women's lacrosse and will begin competition during the 2004-05 academic year. "While we are sensitive to the fact that this is an unpopular decision in the eyes of many, particularly those that it directly impacts, we are also firm in our beliefs that this is the best decision for the overall well-being of our athletics program as we move forward," said Iona President James A. Liguori. The realignment will reduce the number of NCAA Division I sports offered by the college from 23 to 21. "This will result in better overall excellence of our programs, improved allocations of our facility, fiscal and personnel resources while providing a more positive overall experience for the Iona student-athlete," said Iona Director of Athletics Shawn Brennan. The elimination of the three programs along with several other incremental reallocations will eventually (after scholarship commitments have been fulfilled) free up about $700,000, which will be reinvested into the athletics department and its remaining 21 programs. Iona will honor athletics scholarships for students who wish to continue their academic careers at Iona.

Facilities: The University of Wisconsin, Madison, has begun the second of three phases in its $83.7 million renovation of 86-year-old Camp Randall Stadium. The planned updates on the football facility include adding 72 suites and club seating, increased concourse space, additional restrooms and concession stands, closing off the south end zone bowl with seating, installing a new scoreboard, sound and lighting system and constructing a four-story office building for the Wisconsin athletics department. The project, which is set to be completed in time for the 2005 football season, is to increase the overall seating capacity from 76,646 to 79,500. Football home games during the 2003 and 2004 seasons will still be played at Camp Randall.

-- Compiled by Gary T. Brown