The Nicholls Athletics Department recently received news that the Board of Regents considerably raised the financial cap that regulates how much the University is allowed to spend on athletics. Nicholls Athletics Director Rob Bernardi said he is pleased with the increase, and he thinks this is another positive step for athletics at Nicholls.

“I am very optimistic about the future of Nicholls,” Bernardi said. “The generosity of our students and the cap increase have allowed us to make some positive changes in athletics.”

He said the changes make it easier to recruit student athletes and ultimately, be more competitive.

A group of university presidents, within the University of Louisiana system, approached the board of regents about re-examining the funding formula for athletics.

Under the old formula, which had not changed since 1989, an athletics department could receive its cap amount, and then exceed that amount by $125,000, provided the money was related to gender equity issues.

In the new formula, the athletic department will have the potential to obtain $250,000 in excess over the budget.

Bernardi said the change does not represent an immediate increase in the funding of athletics, but reflects the potential for more money due to the increased ceiling on available funds. Ultimately, if the funds are available, the athletics department will receive more money.

The potential funds would be primarily used towards gender equity issues in regards to hiring additional staff. The athletics department recently hired an assistant soccer coach, which was a first for the Lady Colonels soccer team.

In addition to hiring new staff, the athletics department will use the potential funds for increasing salaries and scholarships for students.