Johns Hopkins will discontinue sponsorship of men’s and women’s crew as varsity sports after completion of the teams’ spring schedule.

The school, which currently sponsors 26 varsity programs, announced in a statement that it will not be able to sustain the programs at a competitive level within its athletics budget.

“This was a very difficult decision – one that was not made quickly and certainly not one that we would prefer to make,” said Tom Calder, the school’s director of athletics. “However, in closely looking at the crew program, we feel that this is the correct decision. Maintaining a program that we are not able to support at an appropriate level is not something we are comfortable with.

“We are thankful to the many coaches and student-athletes who have represented Johns Hopkins University with pride and class,” he continued. “Their efforts and dedication have been exemplary.”

The teams have been coached for 19 years by Steve Perry. The school currently lists 20 men and 17 women on the teams’ varsity rosters.

The women’s program sent its fours squad to the inaugural NCAA Women’s Rowing Championships in 1997, and its varsity eights squad was nationally ranked in 2000 and 2001.

This year’s men’s and women’s teams will participate in eight competitions this spring, wrapping up May 8 at the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia.

Johns Hopkins continues to sponsor 13 men’s and 11 women’s varsity sports, including Division I men’s and women’s lacrosse teams.