The University of Hawaii athletic department did not take as big of a financial hit as originally projected for fiscal year 2020, according to final budget numbers, officials said.

Initial projections presented to the regents in September forecast a $4.4 million deficit for the fiscal year 2020 that ended June 30, 2020, the last quarter of which was impacted by COVID-19.

But, according to numbers released Thursday, “The number ended up being $3.8 million,” athletic director David Matlin said in an email.

He cited, “Cost reductions and better revenue than anticipated in some cases,” for the narrowing of the deficit.

An auditor’s report showed team travel and recruiting expenses were down significantly from the pre-pandemic fiscal year of 2019. In addition, the athletic department has said that it has cut back on temporary and student help and made coaching and staffing changes.

It was the ninth consecutive year in the red. Studies indicate that 90% of UH’s peers in Division I also regularly run deficits.

In September the athletic department also projected a $9.3 million deficit for fiscal year 2021 which concludes June 30, 2021. That estimate was revised last month to a $8.9 million deficit but the numbers remain fluid, Matlin has said.