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Football Program Eliminated
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Michigan Tech will eliminate its varsity football program effective immediately it was announced today by MTU athletics director Rick Yeo.
The move comes in the midst of extremely challenging financial times for Michigan Tech. All units of the University have been mandated to reduce their total budget by 10 percent for the next fiscal year, with additional plans in place for a seven percent reduction the following year, and five percent the year after that.
"There have been some difficult decisions to make in my 13 years as athletic director, but none quite like this," said Yeo. "While we are sensitive to the fact that this will be an unpopular decision in the eyes of many, particularly those it directly impacts, we are also firm in our beliefs that this is the best decision for the overall well-being of the athletic program."
Yeo said that student-athletes in the football program that receive scholarship money will continue to receive that assistance through graduation as long as they remain in good academic standing. In addition, members of Tech's coaching staff will be afforded a nine-month period (through the end of this calendar year) in which to find another position.
"When you're forced to make the significant budget reductions we were asked to, there really weren't a lot of options," said Yeo. "Our programs are already operating with no room for error and to come up with the cuts we needed to, eliminating one of our major programs was really the only option.
"In difficult times like this, it's hard to find good, but there are some positives."
Yeo was referring to the fact that when the current football scholarships become available, they will be remain in the athletic department and be re-allocated to improve the remaining programs. In addition, the Nordic skiing and tennis programs -- both once in jeopardy -- will be retained.
Yeo also noted that head football coach Bernie Anderson will be given the opportunity to stay on the staff in another capacity.
"We'd like to find a position for all of our football coaches," said Yeo, "but that's not realistic. Bernie has been a tremendous ambassador for Michigan Tech in his 19 years here and has many other talents that have the opportunity to benefit our department." |
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