The tennis and softball programs at Gadsden State won?t be eliminated in 2012 as previously announced.
Gadsden State President Dr. Ray Staats announced Friday a one-year extension of both programs.
In April, Gadsden State began planning to phase out several athletic programs because of funding constraints. Five athletic programs, cheerleading, baseball, softball, cross country, and tennis were slated to end at the completion of the 2011-12 athletic seasons. The sports remaining were to be men?s and women?s basketball and volleyball. The baseball program later was dissolved a year early and will not compete this season.
Gadsden State has implemented cost-saving measures aggressively throughout this year, which have yielded the opportunity to provide an extension to the softball and tennis programs.
?As a student-centered institution, we are committed to offering programs that are most important to our students and community leaders,? Staats said. ?Given this opportunity, I?ve challenged our athletic department to work diligently to continue reducing program costs and to seek new sources of support from our community partners.?
?Our student athletes are extremely pleased with the decision concerning tennis and softball and look forward to achieving our athletic goals for next season,? Athletic Director Mike Cancilla said.
Gadsden State will continue to prioritize student needs by offering quality academic education, work force development and adult education opportunities that are accessible and affordable
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Niala Harris