2008 Woodie Awards
Uncertain future for student-athletes
By: Jeremy Homan
Issue date: 1/16/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
After the discontinuance of the men's basketball season, players are left with next to nothing at PUC - all without a sport and some without a place to stay.
"It's frustrating waking up and knowing that something that was part of your daily routine is now gone," said sophomore Mark McCord, who was sidelined this season due to injuries.
The team heard about the cancellation the day before they were scheduled to play IUN. Former Head Coach Mike James came to practice and gathered the team to tell them the season was over due to academic ineligibility. The team and coaching staff walked out of the gym silent and in disbelief.
"Some of them looked like they didn't care," said Sports Information Coordinator Dave Fanno.
Some players also lost their scholarships.
"The scholarships for those eligible to play will remain intact and their residency will not be in jeopardy," said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Melinda Dalgarn.
Ineligible players will lose their scholarships for the remainder of the academic year.
Because scholarships were taken away from those ineligible, their residencies at the village were also taken away. Now some players are left with no place to stay and no money to pay for school.
"I wouldn't doubt if some of them transfer," said Fanno.
It isn't certain if either the eligible or ineligible students will return next year to play.
"I have a gut feeling that some may play for Calumet College next year," said Harry Tustison, team manager.
Junior center Kevin Thomas, who maintained his eligibility, is considering the possibility of transferring to Northern Illinois University to play football.
"It's been a dream to play football, but we'll see," said Thomas. "This whole thing is just embarrassing."
"It came down to player responsibility," said Fanno. "As much as Coach James took the fault, he did a lot to help."
According to Tustison, James did everything he possibly could to make sure the players were passing.
Tustison said James gave players progress reports to be filled out by professors. According to Thomas, the team was asked constantly about their progress and if they needed help. But several players dropped classes, putting them below the 12 hour requirement, without telling anyone.
"Every ineligible player had at least one F," said Tustison. "I was disgusted when I found out."
With the season now over and the team without a coaching staff, the recruiting class will be small.
"Recruiting is going to be hard," said Fanno. "By this time last year, we already had a few signed."
With no time frame to hire a new coach and players who may not return, the men's basketball program may miss out on a 2007-2008 season, too.
"It's frustrating waking up and knowing that something that was part of your daily routine is now gone," said sophomore Mark McCord, who was sidelined this season due to injuries.
The team heard about the cancellation the day before they were scheduled to play IUN. Former Head Coach Mike James came to practice and gathered the team to tell them the season was over due to academic ineligibility. The team and coaching staff walked out of the gym silent and in disbelief.
"Some of them looked like they didn't care," said Sports Information Coordinator Dave Fanno.
Some players also lost their scholarships.
"The scholarships for those eligible to play will remain intact and their residency will not be in jeopardy," said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Melinda Dalgarn.
Ineligible players will lose their scholarships for the remainder of the academic year.
Because scholarships were taken away from those ineligible, their residencies at the village were also taken away. Now some players are left with no place to stay and no money to pay for school.
"I wouldn't doubt if some of them transfer," said Fanno.
It isn't certain if either the eligible or ineligible students will return next year to play.
"I have a gut feeling that some may play for Calumet College next year," said Harry Tustison, team manager.
Junior center Kevin Thomas, who maintained his eligibility, is considering the possibility of transferring to Northern Illinois University to play football.
"It's been a dream to play football, but we'll see," said Thomas. "This whole thing is just embarrassing."
"It came down to player responsibility," said Fanno. "As much as Coach James took the fault, he did a lot to help."
According to Tustison, James did everything he possibly could to make sure the players were passing.
Tustison said James gave players progress reports to be filled out by professors. According to Thomas, the team was asked constantly about their progress and if they needed help. But several players dropped classes, putting them below the 12 hour requirement, without telling anyone.
"Every ineligible player had at least one F," said Tustison. "I was disgusted when I found out."
With the season now over and the team without a coaching staff, the recruiting class will be small.
"Recruiting is going to be hard," said Fanno. "By this time last year, we already had a few signed."
With no time frame to hire a new coach and players who may not return, the men's basketball program may miss out on a 2007-2008 season, too.
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