Western Washington eliminates football program

http://wwuvikings.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010809aaa.html

I knew the program was having problems, not the least of which was the lack of suitable (Div. II) competition in geographically acceptable range. Having to go to Minnesota and North Dakota for games doesn't cut it. Playing some of the BC schools could have helped.

Still, for someone who worked in that market, it's sort of sad to see.

The AD's statement strikes me as ass-backwards. Yes, football is more expensive, by far, than any other sport. But don't try to sound high-minded that you are chopping football in order to save women's crew.

 

That sucks, I had a bunch of guys who I played with in high school who played at WWU. They were a pretty solid team.

 

Atlanta Falcons punter Michael Koenen is an alumnus of WW.

 

that's called Title 9. no offense to Western Washington, but there have been a lot
more D1 wrestling and a few baseball
programs that have been dropped and not many people cared.

 

I agree, Title IV has been a complete disaster when it comes to collegiate athletic programs and their budgets. Add in the fact football teams are far larger than any other squad and don't have female counterparts and the problem is magnified.

I understand the legalities of it and the opportunities it has created for women. But other than family and friends, no one gives a rat's ass about women's crew, golf, tennis, gymnastics, etc. Ever covered or attended one of those events?

Why on earth are people given scholarships for that at the same time you are cutting the one sport with a flying chance of actually making money?

Yes, Koenan was a WWU alum. I did the story on him when he signed with the Falcons after going undrafted back in 2005. Very nice, courteous young man. Pretty good on placements, too, which is why I figured he'd be great in the CFL if the NFL didn't pan out.

 

Sorry to nitpick, but it's Title IX, not Title IV.

 

Paging Cadet ...

You clearly don't have a clue what you're talking about. Title IX is about far more than athletics. :

 

I used to love going to small college football games as a kid. You don't find that many below FCS now. Seems a lot of schools moved up to FBS or bailed completely. At least there are some DIII programs.

 

Of course. I'm simply referring to the ramifications of such on athletic programs at the collegiate level.

 

Down with Title 4!

 

What does Mark have against SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES?

 

That's obviously not the part I was referring to.

The idea that a university has to have as many female athletes as male athletes is stupid.