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March 31, 2003 -- Michigan Technological University Athletic Director Rick Yeo has announced the reinstatement of the university's football program. He said the 2003 schedule will be played as originally planned. "We have had extensive discussions with alumni leaders and they have developed a viable plan for private funding," Yeo said. "My hat is off to the alumni and friends of the program. They took our original announcement as a challenge and developed a plan to meet that challenge." Under the plan, the football program will become entirely self-supporting with private, non-general fund dollars. Yeo said that the university will provide some support for the program in 2003-04, but there will be no general fund support beyond that. On March 18, Michigan Tech announced the elimination of football as part of a restructuring caused by state budget cuts. The governor's proposed 2003-04 budget includes a 10 percent reduction in support for Michigan Tech, or about $5.5 million. Michigan Tech President Curt Tompkins said, "The 2003 season has been saved. I have been, and continue to be, a big supporter of Michigan Tech football. While our original decision to make a permanent reduction in the athletic department budget still stands, our alumni, Coach Bernie Anderson, and Rick Yeo have developed a way to ensure the long-term viability of the program." "Our football alumni and friends are passionately committed to continuing the 82 years of positive contributions the football program has provided Michigan Tech," said Bernie Anderson, head football coach. Yeo said the decision was made after discussions between Tompkins and key alumni leaders at the Michigan Tech Fund board meeting last weekend in San Diego. He cited the work of Dennis Euers, a football alumnus and Michigan Tech Fund board member, as key to developing the plan. Yeo said the university's 35-member football advisory council has unanimously endorsed a significant fund-raising effort. The plan includes: *attracting $300,000 in contributions by June 1, 2003. *developing $550,000 in special event revenues, including selling local business supporters 1,000 season tickets for five years, plus contributions from current players' family and friends. *commitments, by December 31, 2003, for a $1 million football endowment. *future commitments for an additional $3.5 million endowment. |