LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- The New Mexico State University athletics department knew months ago that a budget cut back was in their future. As to how much money would need to be cut was a question that is now clear.

“The discussion about budget cuts for us has been going on since probably March, but as of now going into this coming year we have reduced our expenses by one and half million dollars," said athletics director Dr. McKinley Boston.

Boston said after much deliberation and consideration the department decided to cut back within the staff. Eight full-time positions were eliminated and Boston said it was a tough decision.

“People are valued and to say that I made a decision because of budget cuts that we're going to have to let you go is not easy by any stretch of the imagination,’ said Boston.

Boston said the problem was the university received less money from the state because of the current economy. Because of this the athletics department was to find away to cut $1.5 million. Since the problem stems from the current economy this is not only effecting the NMSU athletics program.

“This is not a New Mexico State story; this is a national story. College athletics across the country is taking a huge hit,” said Boston.

For now, the athletics department can only hang their heads high and look toward the future.

“I think the future still remains bright but the economy is what it is and we just got to work our way through it,” said Boston.