Ahead of the upcoming fall sports season, Valley College finds itself navigating substantial statewide budget cuts with repercussions for athletics.
The amount of the cuts, which were not disclosed by administrators, will result in reductions in staffing, new equipment, and players’ meals. However, planned renovations for the athletics facilities, including the football bleachers, a new sound system for Monarch Stadium, and new turf for the soccer field, will not be impacted.
“Being in the district for 24 years, it’s easier said than done,” said Athletic Director Dave Mallas expressing the troubles with managing cuts. “You get what you get, and you make it work”
The athletics department had to face the loss of two positions last semester, the sports secretary and the sports information specialist. These roles remain vacant.
Many coaches have been known to fundraise to support their teams. Head Coach Monica Hang fundraises for women’s basketball at home games. Sophomore player Madison Guerrero expressed not having to worry about meals for away games because Hang fundraises.
This year, the athletic department will partner with a fundraising company “eTeamSponsor” to support all 10 teams. Softball raised 20 percent of its goal in the first two days, which equaled $1,485 of the $7,500 goal.
Coaches had asked for an increase in meal money for studets, but the cuts limited any boost in funding for meals. As a result, coaches had to determine which games they could provide meals at. Many athletes were instructed to bring food for away games.
“We want to keep them nourished and going throughout the day so they can compete with their all,” said Mallas. “Not everyone has the resources to keep them fueled throughout the day.”
As for away games, the experiences vary for different sports. Baseball players often struggle because the team can only provide meals for a few away games; many players bring their food in coolers. On the other hand, in football, the team has a well-stocked kitchen, and players don’t have to worry about bringing food to away games.
“It’s my 21st year this has happened before and it goes in cycles,” said Mallas. “It’s gonna be two to three years until it turns around.”
There will be no new sports introduced in the fall season, such as men’s soccer, women’s volleyball, or track and field, yet the athletic director looks hopeful for this year’s athletics and all that is to come.
