Athletics: NEWS
FITCHBURG STATE TO REINSTATE FUNDING FOR MEN'S SOCCER AND MEN'S
AND WOMEN'S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD
Fitchburg, MA - Fitchburg State College has announced
that three sports left unfunded last year due to budget cutbacks
will be fully funded by the college for the 2004-05 academic year.
The three teams involved—men’s soccer and men's and
women's indoor track—completed their seasons this past year
through private fund raising. A fourth team—women’s
volleyball—did not play last year, and will not be reinstated
due to decreased interest in the sport on the part of students.
Instead, women's lacrosse will be added to the existing lineup of
15 sports.
“I understand that state funding cuts in the year before
I assumed office forced some difficult decisions,” said President
Robert V. Antonucci. “Nonetheless, I see athletics as a critical
component of the college experience. These sports are part of our
heritage, and they deserve college funding.”
"This is tremendous news for our coaches and our student-athletes,"
said Athletic Director Sue Lauder. "Together with the college’s
fundraising team, they worked hard to keep their programs going,
and are now being rewarded with this renewed commitment by the college."
"We’re excited to be adding women's lacrosse to our
lineup," added Lauder. "The sport is growing rapidly at
high schools in our region, and we believe we will be able to attract
talented student athletes and build a competitive program."
Next spring, the college will begin construction on a new outdoor
athletic facility that will include two synthetic turf fields, an
8-lane track, new lighting, and seating for 1,200 with an attached
press box. The project is scheduled to be completed by fall of next
year.
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