Sadly-Hofstra Football Comes to an End after 69 years

(press release from Hofstra University Athletics-Our comment at the end)

Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. - Hofstra University's Board of Trustees has decided to eliminate Hofstra's Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS, formerly known as Division 1-AA) intercollegiate football program, and reinvest those resources into new academic programs and need-based scholarships, President Stuart Rabinowitz announced today.

The Board, acting on a recommendation from Rabinowitz, voted unanimously to end the football program, effective immediately, at a meeting on Wednesday night. The decision was the culmination of a comprehensive review of all university spending to determine the best ways to build on Hofstra's successes and reach the highest level of academic excellence, nationally and internationally.

"As we continue to improve our academic programs and reputation, and plan the University's future, we have to consider the investment we make in all of the University's programs," Rabinowitz said. "The cost of the football program, now and in the future, far exceeds the return possible from an FCS program, which does not generate significant national interest. Given that, along with the low level of interest, financial support and attendance among our students, our alumni and the community, the choice was painful, but clear."

"In the long run," Rabinowitz said, "we can touch and improve the lives of more students by investing in new and enhanced academic initiatives and increasing funds for need-based scholarships."

Rabinowitz said there are no plans to cut any other sports. Hofstra will continue to compete in 17 intercollegiate Division I sports, at a national level, as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. "We know this is a difficult time for our football team members, their dedicated coaches and loyal fans, and we will do everything we can to help them navigate this transition as smoothly as possible."

"Athletics is a vital part of campus life, and we are proud of the contributions all our student-athletes make to our community," Rabinowitz said. "This was not an easy call, but for the future of the University, we believe it was the right one."

Marilyn B. Monter, chair of the Board of Trustees, said that the Board had recently concluded a two-year study of the athletic program, and she noted that nationwide, many colleges and universities are examining spending on sports. "Hofstra is not alone in taking a hard look at athletic spending, and we have a concrete plan for reinvestment in academics," Monter said. "This isn't about spending less money, it's about how we allocate our resources and invest in all of our students."

All current football team members who remain at Hofstra will keep their scholarships, and those who transfer will be eligible to play immediately. The football team has 84 student-athletes from 15 states, and 11 coaches. The net cost of the football program is approximately $4.5 million, including scholarships, and the savings generated will be redirected to fund new faculty lines, academic programs and need-based scholarships.

Athletic Director Jack Hayes met with team members and coaches this morning to inform them of the decision and to discuss how the University would assist them during the transition. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the President, he thanked them for their efforts and loyalty to the University.

"My priority is to implement a plan that assists the student-athletes and coaching staff with their efforts to move forward," said Athletic Director Jack Hayes. "We recognize that some team members will choose to complete their degree at Hofstra, and we encourage them to do so. Others may choose to continue their playing careers at other institutions. Whatever their decision, we are here to assist them."

The football team finished this season 5-6, with a 52-38 win over the University of Massachusetts on Nov. 21 at James M. Shuart Stadium. The timing of the decision was made to give team members, prospects and staff a chance to make future plans. The University will honor head football Coach David Cohen's contract, and all assistant football coaches will receive assistance with their job transitions.

Football began at Hofstra in 1937. In 1991, Hofstra moved up from Division III to Division I, and 2009 was the University's third in the CAA.

FRO will have more on this story shortly. We do want to take this moment to offer our support to the Hofstra community at this time. Regardless of the Trustee's decision, we at FRO have been covering Hofstra Football since Coach Cohen had come aboard, and much further back while working for past publications when Coach Guardi was here as well. The Program put many Players Into the NFL who are now or were successful during their playing careers. We wish coach Cohen well, and hope he finds a new coaching position soon. We are also hopeful that the Pride Players with the option to transfer and continue to play football do so successfully.

Dr. Bill Chachkes

Managing Partner/Execuitve Editor-Football Reporters Online

Week 13 NCAA Predictions

By Max Baez
Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

Alabama @ Auburn

The Iron Bowl. No one outside of Auburn thinks the Tigers have a shot, and for good reason. Auburn has lost four of six, with the defense being a bit shaky down the stretch. Alabama coming into town is certainly not good news, as they excel in every area of the game. Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide should cruise to victory and then get ready for the biggest game of the year next season, when Alabama will play Florida for a shot to go to the BCS Championship Game.

Alabama 31, Auburn 20


Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma

This is unbelievable, but a loss here means Oklahoma is a 6-6 team. Quite the fall for a team that was in the national title game last year and started the season ranked in the top 5, but injuries have clearly played a role. Oklahoma State has really had a great season, going 9-2 so far, even with the loss of their best player, Dez Bryant. Oklahoma’s defense has not been particularly strong this season, which is good news for the potent Oklahoma State offense. For whatever reason, Oklahoma is an 8 point favorite this week – guess reputation can go a long way sometimes. Okie State will go into Norman and claim victory.

Oklahoma State 35, Oklahoma 27


Utah @ BYU

Another episode of a vicious rivalry, which doubles as a culture war. Both teams are real solid this year, as has been the case most of the past few seasons. However, it has always felt like BYU has been a little better this year, even if they both have the same record. I like BYU in this one because of their explosive offense. Expect a solid day from QB Max Hall.

BYU 28, Utah 16


Georgia @ Georgia Tech

Georgia has had a disappointing year, Georgia Tech has not. The Yellow Jackets, playing in the ACC Championship Game next week, would certainly love to beat their in state rival for the second straight year. Considering how mediocre Georgia has been all season, that won’t be too tough a task. With the wishbone offense and some tough defense, Georgia Tech wins and prepares for the chance to make a BCS bowl game.

Georgia Tech 24, Georgia 10


Notre Dame @ Stanford

Will this be Charlie Weis’ last game? Will they let him coach the bowl game? It’s pretty clear to most that he needs to get fired, and this game will show exactly why. Stanford, with less talent, and a coach that has been there for less time, is going to absolutely work the Irish. Stanford had a tough break last week in the Big Game, but they still have an offense that will give Notre Dame fits – and the Irish are going to have a ton of trouble stopping Toby Gerhart. Notre Dame should put up good offensive numbers, but the Cardinal will pull away in the second half.

Stanford 44, Notre Dame 24


Five other games to watch: Nebraska @ Colorado, Pittsburgh @ West Virginia, Florida State @ Florida, Arizona @ Arizona State, Arkansas @ LSU

Write the Check Jack
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer-Midwest/Northeast Correspondent

Mr. Swarbrick, remove the checkbook from your dapper business suit and get it over with. Put that shiny ballpoint pen and University letterhead to use. Cut Charlie his check, list some replacements, and move forward.
Since 1996 Notre Dame football is no longer relevant. The Irish have garnered more tabloids than National Titles the last 15 years.

When Weis took over he claimed that his previous predecessors made excuses. However, he was only half right.
Bob Davie and Ty Willingham said the University no longer could recruit elite athletes because of academic rigors.
In 5 years Weis has disproven some excuses but not all of them. He brought in three top ten recruiting classes. His third was number one in the country. Skill players are loaded throughout the roster.

Weis recruited with the big boys and beat them out for blue chip talent. Manti Teo and Michael Floyd turned down powerhouses USC and Ohio State for an education and eventual football glory.

However, other demons have never seemed to cease from South Bend. An arduous schedule during the Davie and Willingham tenure saw better results than the watered down ones of last two years.

Davie opened his final season with a Nebraska team that played for the national title. Willingham closed his tenure beating two top ten teams Tennessee and Michigan. The Wolverines went to the Rose Bowl that year as well.

Weis is 1-10 versus ranked teams, 0-5 versus USC, 3-10 in November, and now 0-3 the last two years versus the lowly Big East. He opened his last two seasons with WAC teams and pounded another to eradicate a 7 game bowl-losing streak.
Weis has not had to play the SEC and Big 12 powers like his past predecessors and couldn’t get improved results with players twice as good.

The last two Senior Days have been disgraceful. Tears normally reserved for a final goodbye were wasted on inexcusable losses. After 4 years Senior Days were designed for a proper send off. Instead those seniors were pelted with snowballs and booed during their own Alma mater and 1812.

Weis never had a quality defense during his tenure in South Bend. The defense has been exposed repeatedly game after game. This year it has finally gotten out of control. Weis tried two new coordinators and brought in defensive genius Jon Tenuta.
Yet, all recruiting cycles never registered elite defensive ends or linebackers capable of running a dominant defense.
Every Quarterback has looked like Johnny Unitas versus this defense and they clearly lack the defensive skill or coaching to stop anybody. When Navy runs 40 yards up the middle consistently with a fullback then you are that bad.
Weis’s staff countered that by calling the Midshipmen classy and dirty.

Notre Dame has been the same story since Weis arrived. Yet, these deficiencies have reared their ugly head the last two years. The Irish put up gaudy offensive stats and 30 points in a lot of their contests and cannot come out on top.
Like in 2001 and 2004 the spotlight is on the Notre Dame AD.

When adversity stared former AD Kevin White in the face he panicked. George O’Leary resigned and Ty Willingham was unjustly cast as the next head coach. Charlie Weis debuted better than expected and name came NFL rumored fudges a ridiculous contract extension.

Its all on you Jackie boy and this move will make or break your alma mater. Again you intend to wait until the end of the year instead of acting now.

Didn’t your past predecessor make the same mistake? Don’t you remember him whiffing twice on his top candidates?
Mr. Swarbrick past history has always produced a sour outcome and this situation won’t be any different. Apply the ink on the page and inscribe the necessary zeros.

If you dare reach for anything make sure it’s your checkbook Jack. Not for another potential disastrous hire.
This time lets get it right.