No one thought any more teams would be cut following Hillsdale College's decision to discontinue the soccer, men's tennis and swimming teams two years ago.
Completely unaware, members of the men's golf and women's tennis team came back to school ready to begin the spring season, only to hear that both programs were also to be discontinued from the Hillsdale Athletic program.
On Jan. 20, a general e-mail went out from Athletic Director Michael Kovalchik citing that both the golf and tennis teams were at a disadvantage due to the lack of facilities needed for both sports.
The email stunned athletes and coaches alike, and sent a wave of anger and confusion throughout the school.
“Everyone's pretty upset. It's not a good situation,” senior Jessie Miller, captain of the women's tennis team, said. “We've been dreading it, it's been on my mind, but I didn't expect it at all.”
According to Kovalchik, the two teams were cut not only due to facility problems but also because there was a lack of funding for both teams. Fortunately, the school said they will maintain all financial aid that was awarded to the athletes under the condition that they keep a certain grade point average.
“Money is not available—it's a case where you try to see what's happening and it just wasn't working,” Kovalchik said.
Kovalchik said that both teams were struggling internally. The golf team, funded completely by independent donors, ran out of money and the tennis team lacked indoor facilities to adequately accommodate them.
Sophomore Mary Scapino, a tennis player, did not expect to see the teams cut from the program.
“The discontinuation of the program was not expected. We were not even aware of the change going into the meeting. It was a complete shock,” Scapino said.
Sam Hargraves, head golf coach, said he was sorry to see the golf program cut because the team was steadily improving, and had a lot of potential.
“It is very unfortunate for the student-athletes to have their program cut. Playing golf is very important to these young men and the team has been improving greatly over the last three years,” he said. “I don't think there is ever good timing for a program to get cut. It is not an easy decision for the school to make, but we have to support what the college thinks is best for the college.”
Head women's tennis coach Suzanne Abel refused to comment.
Junior Rob Schlitts, captain of the golf team, and sophomore Chris Johnson were also hurt and upset when they learned that the teams were discontinued, and both are considering transferring to schools with golf programs.
“A part of me feels betrayed but another part of me feels like I can't really hold a grudge against the school for something they feel they have to do,” Johnson said.
“We had no warning at all. We came back from break, and there was a coaches' meeting at 6:45 one evening and we found out,” Schlitts said.
“We had no clue that they were going to cut the program. We thought that the worst thing that might be possible would be that the coach would take another job,” Johnson said.
Kovalchik said that despite the devastation of discontinuing the tennis and golf teams, he is hopeful that most of the athletes will remain at Hillsdale
“We hope that those who played for those teams will stay; if any good comes out they will stay because it's Hillsdale,” Kovalchik said.
By cutting the two teams, Schlitts said he was concerned about the future of Hillsdale as a well-rounded, liberal arts college.
“It really worries me to see Hillsdale cutting its sport teams, eventually it is going to be an all academic institution, and that is not well-rounded for anyone,” he said.
Collegian reporter Anthony Gonzalez contributed to this article.