Quote:In all, five full-time positions in athletics were eliminated. UMKC also is looking for ways to cut travel expenses. Its affiliation in the far-flung Western Athletic Conference, with members in California, Washington, Arizona and New Mexico, doesn’t help.

“With nonconference schedules, how can we be more regional and cut down on expenses on that side?” Wilson said. “It’s been very tough work, and it’s not over. Resources are tight. We’re working on this every single day.”

The cuts occur as the Kangaroos are coming off one of their most successful years in athletics. Five teams won WAC championships and five others finished second. The men’s basketball team appeared in postseason play — and won a game in the College Basketball Invitational — for the first time.

The Kangaroos finished second in the WAC Commissioner’s Cup, a composite result of standings and league tournament finishes in all sports — a high-water mark for the school in the conference. Still, UMKC has to tighten its belt.