01-22-2004, 09:49 AM
<a href='http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-sienafootball&prov=ap&type=lgns' target='_blank'>yahoo article</a>
Siena cuts football program
January 21, 2004
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Siena dropped its football program Wednesday after a meeting with athletic staff and college administrators.
The decision to cut the NCAA Division I-AA program affects 69 students, two full-time coaches and three part-time coaches. Siena plans to honor the terms of the coaches' contracts, and assist any student wishing to continue his football career elsewhere.
The Saints were 0-11 last season.
The $200,000 the school spent on the non-scholarship program will be dispersed to others areas, including coaching, athletic academic advising, sports medicine and general recreation.
``In light of the college's strategic plan, enhancing the football program is not in line with the athletic department's or the college's strategic direction,'' athletic director John D'Argenio said. ``Our focus now is to accommodate the student athletes and coaches.''
Rich Ensor, commissioner of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, said the NCAA requires six members to be classified as a I-AA football league, so the loss of Siena means the MAAC will be reclassified as I-AAA.
First mention of I-AAA by an official that I've ever seen. I always thought it was an informal designation. Anyway, Siena wasn't very good, but maybe Buffalo will find 1-2 players who can contribute.
Siena cuts football program
January 21, 2004
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Siena dropped its football program Wednesday after a meeting with athletic staff and college administrators.
The decision to cut the NCAA Division I-AA program affects 69 students, two full-time coaches and three part-time coaches. Siena plans to honor the terms of the coaches' contracts, and assist any student wishing to continue his football career elsewhere.
The Saints were 0-11 last season.
The $200,000 the school spent on the non-scholarship program will be dispersed to others areas, including coaching, athletic academic advising, sports medicine and general recreation.
``In light of the college's strategic plan, enhancing the football program is not in line with the athletic department's or the college's strategic direction,'' athletic director John D'Argenio said. ``Our focus now is to accommodate the student athletes and coaches.''
Rich Ensor, commissioner of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, said the NCAA requires six members to be classified as a I-AA football league, so the loss of Siena means the MAAC will be reclassified as I-AAA.
First mention of I-AAA by an official that I've ever seen. I always thought it was an informal designation. Anyway, Siena wasn't very good, but maybe Buffalo will find 1-2 players who can contribute.