FIU Cuts Cheerleading and Band Programs
June 28, 2009 by Allison Boyer
Filed under Football
One of the best parts of a college football game is the “team spirit” atmosphere. Whether your team is good or bad, it’s fun to scream on the top of your lungs with the cheerleaders or sing The Hey Song with the band. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen at Florida International anymore.
Image: sxc.hu
FUI has recently reported that they’d be cutting the band program, and following that announcement, they decided to cut the cheerleading program as well. They have one the the worst historic records in major college football, and have been dealing NCAA penalties and problems stemming from playing ineligible players and brawling with Miami at the 2006 Orange Bowl.They also have very low football game attendance, with only around 14,000 people coming to each game.
By cutting the cheerleaders, FIU reports that they can save around $45,000. Even if they make cuts, it would still take at least $20,000 to keep the program running at all. Combined with cutting the band, the school will save aroud $100,000.
Yes, that’s a lot of money in today’s economy, but here’s the thing that confuses me – the cheerleaders, coached by former Miami Dolphins cheerleader Maria George, is actually bringing a lot of acclaim to the school. They’re currently ranked fourth in the nation. That’s despite the fact that FIU don’t get full athletic scholarships – just small ones to help pay for textbooks.
And they had just finished tryouts and interviews for next year’s squad. George has offered to work without pay, but the school hasn’t responded. Unless they raise the money for the program through private sources and have commitments for that money for the next several years, the programs is getting the ax.
It’s a poor decision all around. FIU has to make cuts, like almost all schools are doing this year, and I’m certainly not saying that cheerleading comes before academics, but I have a hard time believing that this is the best option.
You and sign the petition to keep the cheerleaders here . Even better, consider donating some money to keep them up and going if you can.
