After Cuts, Northridge Fans Take Their Swings

How could Northridge administrators have such poor judgment that they put themselves in a position where their athletic department is not only $800,000 in debt, but they have to cut the most popular--if not profitable--sports the school has?

For years, Northridge has been touting itself as the Valley’s university. The school’s coaches have recruited well and produced winning teams while operating on a shoestring budget. My sympathies go to all the coaches and student-athletes. The Northridge administration obviously fails to see how important a successful sports program is to the community.

RON EPSTEIN

Woodland Hills

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At a time when so many Cal State universities are selling their campuses to the highest corporate bidder, it is a shame Cal State Northridge could not do the same to save some very successful athletic programs.

Many corporations would be willing to pony up the necessary funds as a public relations gesture, and as a prime marketing tactic. You almost get the feeling that CSUN is doing this on purpose--to make a statement, as opposed to finding a long-term revenue solution. Politics riding herd on athletics, a sure sign of our times.

ANEESH LELE

Palos Verdes Estates

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When I first heard speculation about Northridge cutting baseball, volleyball, soccer and swimming, I thought, “No way, they couldn’t.” They did.

What happened on Wednesday was nothing short of preposterous.

The powers that be could not find it in their hearts--and budgets--to let these programs exist one more year?

I understand the logic of the administration. Seemingly, their hands are tied by Title IX and lack of funds. Something had to give.

But there’s absolutely no way these programs--and the people who devote so much time to them--should be treated like this.

The San Fernando Valley has a population of several million, and these sports well represent our community. Now they are gone, faster than you can say ludicrous.

I’m convinced some kind of agreement was bypassed because a few bureaucrats didn’t want to face the music. C’mon, find the money somewhere. Let them play--even if it’s only for one more year.

RAPHAEL TULINO

Northridge

Note: Tulino played volleyball for Northridge from 1987-91. He is a KCSN-FM radio deejay.

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Although I understand the difficult decision [Athletic Director] Paul Bubb and [vice president] Ron Kopita had to deal with, the short-sightedness and close-mindedness of the cuts Northridge made make me wonder how either of those men ever got through their job interviews.

Bubb says the cuts were the only alternative. Then we read about Dick Enberg, a Northridge graduate, offering time and money, and Kings’ president Tim Leiweke pledging $50,000 toward a new multiple-purpose stadium for the university.

How many more people would have given money or ideas or time to help avoid these cuts? We will never know because no one from the Northridge athletic department bothered to involve the community or ask people their opinions.

It is a shame that an athletic program that me and my friends help build during the 1980s and ‘90s has become a laughing stock among Division I schools.

TODD BOWSER

Northridge

Note: Bowser played basketball for Northridge from 1986-91.

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No longer will the Matadome, Cal State Northridge’s gym, echo with thunder and flow with red waves. Gone are the rivalries created by Northridge’s dedicated athletes, history wiped away without logical explanation.

They say they cut four Northridge sports for budget reasons. Gender equity is another reason. When are the clueless in charge going to admit the true stupidity of their decision?

Why the huge rush to meet gender-equity requirements? They still had another year to comply. Why not operate another year on a shoestring? Heck, that’s nothing new to the programs that were cut. Take time to come up with a well-calculated plan. Oh, but that would be the smart thing to do.

It’s too late. Myself and many others have no program to take pride in and support. Gone are the programs that gave us fame and identity, programs for which we gave our all and helped establish identities for our university.

A few years ago we rushed into a football-based conference and rallied out student-athletes to promote a free increase that was supposed to go toward a broad-based athletic program. The students who paid, and are still paying, no longer can watch some of the sports they voted for.

The programs left to rock the Matadome don’t compare to the men’s volleyball team. No team in school history put more fans in the seats. Northridge led the nation in home attendance for three consecutive years. Where do those fans go?

The decisions made were made by a few blind leaders. Committees were made but not listened to. The next committee formed should study the performance of Northridge’s leaders.

NEIL COFFMAN

Northridge

Note: Coffman played volleyball for Northridge from 1989-91.