Save the Tigers

Reduce cost, retain assets, reorganize fund allocation, cut the fat.  The unfortunate fate of St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia is described in these four philosophies as the entire athletics program will cease to exist as of July 1.  SBC has been here before and usually a revisit may ease anxious thoughts about the future.  I'm not so sure that's the case this time, as there is a huge notion that this was done to keep the college's doors open.  In 1987 the football program was shut down for 15 years after proudly re-competing.  And for a school that never was the talk of winning a championship in any sport they fielded (at least for most of my life) they did pretty well after their reinstatement to the CIAA.  The winning didn't last long, but at least football was back.  And now it's gone again, along with all the other men's and women's sports programs.

As a bystander to this situation I would be interested to know how the alumni feel about this.  I assume one of the reason's alumni at the larger white universities give money to sports programs (and players) so these things don't happen.  Of course, paying players is against NCAA rules so that option isn't included in this.  But compliant and consistent financial support is.  I believe that a solid athletic program directly benefits a college in the areas of enrollment and revenue.  So it makes sense to ensure these programs remained intact; but when they don't, how?  Even before this tragic issue who supported the boosters so coaches could have more resources to recruit with?  Is St. Paul's College saying that there aren't enough good Christian athletes that want to come to a small Christian school?  Isn't there a powerful ministry opportunity provided through collegiate atheletics; where God-fearing coaches mentor to college students on a daily basis-helping them become strong through discipline, service, and faith?

All the questions I have I'm sure have been asked before this decision and the deadline is set.  But, as it was in 2002, games can once again be played in Lawrenceville.  It's just sad to see this happen but trust me, I fully understand.  Because whether it's school, work, church, or a combination of all three - it's always about the dollars.

SBC Alumni Save the Tigers

Peace