Tuesday, December 5, 2017
ARCATA, Calif. - Humboldt State University President Lisa Rossbacher announced today (Dec. 5) that HSU would continue fielding its intercollegiate football team thanks to an outpouring of support from alumni and community donors.
Rossbacher said she was impressed by the passionate group of boosters who led a recent fund drive. They convinced her they could bring in the resources needed to help continue the football program.
“This is a good day for our football team and a good day for Humboldt State,” Rossbacher said. “We’re proud of our athletics program and our football team, and I’m so thankful for those who have stepped up to provide the financial resources to continue all our sports.”
The announcement was made in front of a crowd of student-athletes, coaches and invited guests, including prominent boosters, at the Redwood Bowl. Rossbacher was joined by Jim Redd, who helped lead the booster fund drive along with Ceva Courtemanche, Head Coach Rob Smith and Interim Athletic Director Duncan Robins.
“I’m overwhelmed by what this community was able to d, in such a short period of time,” said Redd, who promised to support the process of collecting donations. “We worked hard because it was something we cared about. We did this for the student-athletes, for the university and the community. It means that the long and proud tradition of Lumberjack football will continue.”
The future of football, which is the University’s most expensive athletics program, had been in question due to financial challenges. The athletics department is struggling to balance its budget and the university as a whole is working to address an ongoing structural deficit.
The booster group led a fund drive to find additional resources for athletics, including football, and has committed to providing at least $500,000 for each of the next five years. Maintaining that high level of donor support will be a challenge, but it’s one that boosters are sure they can meet. The university’s plan is to collect funds through January to support the upcoming fall football season and other sports in the upcoming academic year. That will provide plenty of time for budget planning by HSU.
"Everyone in the GNAC is ecstatic about this news. It's been a difficult six months for everyone connected to the Humboldt State football program, especially the student-athletes," said GNAC commissioner Dave Haglund. "We are especially excited and thankful for them.
"We appreciate the fact that the Humboldt State administration — president Lisa Rossbacher and athletic director Duncan Robins — realized the value of football to the university and to the region. We especially want to tip our cap to the unsung heroes, those who led and contributed to the campaign to keep football alive at Humboldt State."
Those who made offers of support during the fund drive may fulfill their commitments online at hsujacks.com or by check (checks payable to "HSU Athletics” designated to Support Your Jacks on the memo line and mailed to: Gift Processing Center, SBS 285, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata CA 95521).