SanJac Board of Trustees Votes to Phase Out Sports Programs

HOUSTON, TX -- The San Jacinto College Board of Trustees made it official Monday, voting unanimously to phase out four sports programs over the next two years.

College officials said they plan to honor scholarship commitments to students that are in effect through May 2018.

Afterward, sports such as men's and women's basketball, men's soccer and women's volleyball will all become a part of San Jacinto College's storied past.

Junior and community college sports programs, though at times obscure, have helped launch the careers of many big named stars to hall of fame careers.

Green Bay Packers' Quarterback Aaron Rodgers began his collegiate playing career in junior college, as did baseball greats Roger Clements, Albert Pujols, and Andy Pettitte.

The unofficial announcement came on Oct. 31, which left coaches in a state of shock.

"It kind of hit me blind side. Nothing's ever been mentioned about doing away with the athletics program," Assistant Basketball Coach Scott Hortsman said. "First thing to hit my mind is how are they going to do it?, why are they going to do it?"

The how is gradual, and the why? That has to do with finances and a renewed focus on every student.

"The Board has determined that the priority for the college needs to stay true to its mission around student success and we must focus our resources on the entire student population's educational goals and to
insure the greatest positive impact on our entire student population," according to a statement from San Jacinto College.

The history of SanJac basketball alone goes back at least 50 years, with many of those memorable games played in the confines of Anders gym, where the basketball and volleybal games have been played for many years.

Maintenance on San Jacinto College's athletic facilities run about $2.5 million a year.

Meanwhile, baseball and softball will remain as active athletic programs for the foreseeable future.

San Jacinto College Spokesperson Amanda Fenwick said said improvements to the baseball field at the North campus and softball field at the South campus, that those two sports will be maintained

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