The Weber State University Athletic Board, in an unanimous 15-0 vote, adopted a motion to keep the school's football program Wednesday morning. The board, made up of students, faculty, staff and community leaders, passed that recommendation on to Weber State President Paul Thompson, who will make his recommendation as to the future of Wildcat football at a meeting with the board of trustees Friday afternoon.
Weber State's Strategic Planning Task Force met later Wednesday to discuss the future of football. It too will make a recommendation to President Thompson before he sees the board of trustees, who will make the final decision.Three weeks ago the Weber State president said the football program would likely be dropped after years of red ink if supporters could not come up with $500,000 per year.
At the athletic board meeting, Weber State coach Dave Arslanian said a community effort has raised commitments of nearly $400,000 for the program in the past three weeks. In addition, a proposed student fee increase would raise another $100,000.
"We have a plan that will benefit Wildcat football for the long term instead of just a quick fix," Arslanian said.
But Weber State vice president over finances Allen F. Simkins voiced concerns. "We can't field a $1 million football program on pledges. We have to assume accountability for what we do." Simpkins said there are two major obstacles that will be tough for the program to overcome - time and money. "There are going to have to be decisions that will be tough and won't be popular."
Weber State averaged 4,812 fans per game this past football season, the fewest in 20 years. Arslanian said he already has commitments for 5,000 season tickets for next season. "The potential in the community is there," he said. "We haven't begun to tap it."