Being LDS and a BYU alumnus, I think the decision to create a BYU-Idaho has many exciting ramifications. Undoubtedly, many more young saints will gain the opportunity to gain four-year degrees through BYU. The only thing that tempers my excitement is the idea to "phase out" certain programs, including athletics.
Perhaps athletics is overemphasized in our society. But athletics does play an important role in a community from the young to the old. Even those who profess to dislike sports gain indirect benefits from them. How many jobs, for example, are created by the existence of the Utah Jazz?
And BYU sports have similar impacts on the Utah County and LDS community worldwide.
What I am getting at is that citizens of Rexburg, Idaho, will suffer if BYU-Idaho has no sports programs. There will be serious negative economic and psycho-social impacts of losing these activities for the Rexburg and the larger Idaho community. Those impacts might even be felt here in Utah. Hundreds of student athletes in the area will be forced to compete for fewer scholarships, and therefore, educational opportunities may be lost.
College athletics, even junior college athletics, generate excitement in the community. The young people of the Rexburg area have been able to see this higher level of athletic performance, and this undoubtedly enhances high school and community sports programs.
It is sincerely hoped that the LDS Church leadership will reconsider dropping athletics at BYU-Idaho and recognize the importance of intercollegiate sports for the student-athlete, the college student, the community and the reputation of the institution and church itself.
Brian Preece
Provo