Opinion

Editorial

Cuts part of economic reality

If anyone needs further proof that the economy is in bad shape, look no farther than the recent developments at NIACC. Recent budget cuts, including seven full-time employees and seven part-time positions have been announced, as well as numerous other cutbacks.

However, the one cut most took notice about is the termination of the football program. Many were shocked and confused that such a program would be cut after more than 60 years of existence. Why football? Why now?

The fact is that football is one of the college’s biggest expenditures at nearly $172,000 a year. With a shortfall of roughly $800,000 to compensate for, something had to go.

“It’s not like football was number one, people number two,” Dan Mason, NIACC athletic director, said. “Every area was looked at.”

Despite the devastating news, spring practices have progressed as usual. Only instead of preparing for the next season, many players are concerned with getting enough tape to send to colleges across the nation in hopes of getting a roster spot.

Both Mason and Coach Steve LaLonde have been fervently working with other junior colleges and four-year universities to relocate the 65 displaced NIACC football players.

According to Mason, the response from other institutions has been supportive. They all understand the situation and are willing to help if possible.

Most people now realize and accept the fact that something had to be done to save money. If football hadn’t been cut, something else would have.

It’s a sad fact, and it’s brought the economic situation a little too close to home for some. All anyone can do now is move forward and hope everything else will be ok.

Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial board.