Hofstra ends football program

Hofstra University president Stuart Rabinowitz announced this morning that its Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to eliminate the school's football program and will reinvest those resources into new academic programs and need-based scholarships.

The decision to end the program, which competed at the Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level, was the culmination of a comprehensive review of all university spending, according to Rabinowitz, who took over as Hofstra's president in 2001. "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," said Rabinowitz in a statement. "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."

The Hofstra Board of Trustees voted to end the program after Rabinowitz recommended this as the best course of action for the future of the university. "Hofstra is not alone in taking a hard look at athletic spending, and we have a concrete plan for reinvestment in academics," said Marilyn B. Monter, chair of the Hofstra Board of Trustees, in a statement. "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. Some of these affected players include former high school players from Nassau's South Shore such as junior wide receiver Aaron Weaver, a Baldwin product and freshman linebacker Reggie Francklin, a Valley Stream native who played at Holy Cross in Flushing, Queens.

The net cost of the football program is approximately $4.5 million, including scholarships, according to university officials. Hofstra athletic director Jack Hayes met with members of the football program this morning to inform them of the decision and to discuss how the university would assist them during the transition.

Hofstra finished the 2009 season with a record of 5-6, with its last game being a 52-38 win over Massachusetts on Nov. 21 at James M. Shuart Stadium. Hofstra will honor head coach David Cohen's contract, and all assistant  coaches will receive assistance with their job transitions.

Hofstra football began in 1937 as a Division III program and moved up to the Division 1 level  in 1991. In the last 15 years Hofstra produced many National Football League players including current stars like New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston and Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Willie Colon, as well as Wayne Chrebet, who played wide receiver for the New York Jets from 1995-2005 and former Tennessee and San Francisco defensive back Lance Schulters.

There are no plans to eliminate any of Hofstra's other 17 sports and the Pride will continue to compete in the Colonial Athletic Association, Rabinowitz stated.