St. Francis Athletes Worry for Their Future

By: Lilease Waldron

Imagine attending a college specifically to participate in their D-1 athletic program, and being told the entire department will be gone come next semester.

This unfortunately is the truth for attendees at St. Francis College, as the school recently announced that they’ve experienced, “increased operating expenses, flattening revenue streams, and plateauing enrollment” partly due to the pandemic; in turn, forcing them to get rid of athletics.

A Sophomore member of the track and field team who preferred to remain anonymous expressed their disappointment; “I was shocked at the news, we had essentially no warning and, of course, no option.”

There are 21 teams that currently compete in St. Francis College’s athletics program, which has been around since 1896. The men’s basketball program stands as the oldest college program in New York City.

In an email sent out to SFC students and staff, the chair of St. Francis College Board of Trustees explain, “This difficult decision was guided by a commitment to preserving the College’s 164-year Franciscan mission to provide a high quality and affordable education to working-class and first-generation students.”

Despite the school's positive outlook, many students fear for the future of their college experience. The sophomore athlete discussed that they're a nursing student, so transferring to another school will rid them of their nursing credits completely.

“I just don’t know where to go from here. Do I want to continue the sport I went to college for? Is it worth it in the long run?” The athlete says. “I just hope for the best.”

St. Francis stated that all student-athletes will be allowed to keep their related scholarships, but they had to make the difficult decision of firing program directors and coaches.

Athletic director Irma Garcia released a final statement, “As we continue to compete this season, I ask that you pour love and positivity into our student-athletes. They have worked all year to play at their highest level and I will be cheering them on until the bitter end.”

The school has since reiterated that they’re still accepting new and returning applicants for the Fall 2023 semester, and seem confident in the future.

“I truly don’t know what to expect. All in all, it’s heartbreaking,” The athlete finalized.