© Mark Chow / GoldenBearSports.com

Sept. 28, 2010 – Earlier today, the University of California, Berkeley announced its decision to drop five sports from its athletics program, including men’s and women’s gymnastics. The other three sports are women’s lacrosse, men’s rugby and baseball. The announcement was made by Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and Athletic Director Sandy Barbour.

“We are disappointed that Cal Berkeley has made this decision,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “It is frustrating to see an approach that eliminates opportunities for student athletes. There are other avenues to explore and ways to try and address circumstances such as these without taking such extreme measures.”

Cal Berkeley’s head gymnastics coach Tim McNeill and two of its gymnasts – Bryan Del Castillo and Glen Ishino – are currently members of the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team.