Western Washington University Terminates Football Program
In another sad example of the economic downturn effecting so many institutions at this time, administrators from Western Washington University announced yesterday a monumental decision to terminate the school’s 98 year old football program. Both team and staff, who had seen a 6-5 season capped by a final victory at the Dixie Rotary Bowl, were left stunned and saddened by the news.
“It’s almost like a broken heart. I don’t know if I’m ever going to be able to play football again,” said junior receiver Rick Copsey. “I have a queasy stomach. I just kind of feel lost.”
“In 32 years of coaching, this is the worst day,” [coach Robin] Ross said. “I did not have a real good inkling.”
While several reasons for the termination were given by school administration, the most pressing was the combination of tight budget cuts and the rising costs of travel and expenses needed to keep the team running. By cutting the football program, Western Washington University hopes to save almost half a million dollars over the next couple years.
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