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.

Post from: EveryJoe

FIU Cuts Cheerleading and Band Programs

#2 Alabama 35, Arkansas State 0

• Alabama – Arkansas State, the full recap at Tide Corner
• Alabama-Arkansas State, the day after… at The Rap Sheet
• Arkansas State From The Couch at Bama Sports Report

North Texas 51, Western Kentucky 40

• Western Kentucky Fall To North Texas, 51-40

Louisiana-Lafayette 49, Florida International 20

• La-Lafayette’s Fenroy breaks NCAA record in win at Associated Press News from Salon.com

Louisiana-Monroe 31, Troy 30

• Troy falls in final seconds at Louisiana-Monroe at College Sports for Opelia-Auburn News

Other conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Conference USA, Independents, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt, WAC

(check back soon if the link isn’t live yet)

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Week 10: Blogging about the Sun Belt