HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -Hofstra University dropped football because of costs and fading interest and will use the $4.5 million spent annually on the team on scholarships and other priorities.
The board of trustees voted unanimously Wednesday night to shut the program, which had been in existence since the school\’s founding in 1937.
“The cost of the football program, now and in the future, far exceeds the return possible,\’\’ Hofstra president Stuart Rabinowitz said Thursday. He added that despite Hofstra having sent several players to the NFL, the program does not attract enough national attention.
“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.\’\’
students were offered free tickets to games, but only an average of 500 students attended games at the 13,000-seat campus stadium.
The decision follows a two-year review of sports spending at Hofstra. Rabinowitz said there are no plans to cut any other sports at the Long Island school.
Last month, Northeastern University in Boston dropped football after 74 years. Northeastern, like Hofstra, plays in the Atlantic-10 Conference. Four of the final eight teams left in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs are from the league.
“We know this is a difficult time for our football team members, their dedicated coaches and loyal fans, and we will do everything we can to help them navigate this transition as smoothly as possible,\’\’ Rabinowitz said.
He said the 84 players were told of the decision Thursday. All players were told they can keep their scholarships if they remain at the school. Those who transfer will be eligible to play immediately.
Four former Hofstra players are now in the NFL: Kyle Arrington of New England, Stephen Bowen of Dallas, Willie Colon of Pittsburgh and Marques Colston of New Orleans. One of the best-known Hofstra players to have played in the NFL was receiver Wayne Chrebet of the New York Jets.
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