The troubled University of Bridgeport athletic program may finally be put out of business.
On Thursday, coaches and the athletic staff received notices that university president Richard Rubenstein has recommended the entire nine-team Division II program be dropped after the 1995-96 school year.
“We’re getting the feeling it’s a done deal,” said Jill Feldman, Bridgeport’s senior women’s athletic administrator.
“It’s hard to imagine a college without an athletic program,” said men’s basketball coach Bruce Webster, who is entering his 31st season at the school.
The board of trustees is likely to make the final decision Oct. 6.
Rubenstein, who has not commented publicly, could not be reached.
Athletic department officials said Rubenstein ultimately based his decision on financial considerations. The department has a $1.8 million budget.
According to several teachers, Rubenstein told the faculty senate Wednesday that the decision was a “no-brainer.” In a meeting in early September, Rubenstein told teachers if it came down to a choice between computer engineering and athletics, he would get rid of athletics.
The financially troubled institution was nearly shut down in the winter of 1992, but the Professors World Peace Academy, the academic arm of the Unification Church, stepped in with $50 million. The university and athletics were spared.
“Living through the first scare was a nightmare,” Webster said. “But we kind of thought we were safe this time.”
Ann Fariss, a physical education instructor, was the athletic director in 1991-94.
“Since [’92], things have gradually been falling apart,” she said. “It’s been talked about before, but this time I think they’re serious.”
Athletic officials presented the school administration with seven models — from reducing varsity sports to club sports across the board to reviving the football program. All were rejected for being too expensive, Feldman said.
For the past few days, athletes from the basketball, soccer, cross country, softball, baseball and gymnastics programs have asked athletic administrators if there will be teams for them next year.
“Some are crying, some are angry,” said Feldman, who has been the school’s trainer nine years. “It’s been tough for everybody.”
Today at noon, administrators will meet with athletes at the Harvey Hubbell Gymnasium and answer questions about matters such as transfer options and scholarship specifics. Officials have promised athletes they will honor all existing scholarships if the program is abolished.
“That doesn’t ease their pain,” said Lorraine Duffy, who has coached the successful gymnastics team since 1986. “We all signed incoming freshmen to scholarships. The parents are calling me saying, `My kid had options, and now they’re stuck. You’re reneging on a contract.’ What do I say to that?
“Those are people’s lives they’re messing with.”
Webster has more than 500 victories at the school with national second-place finishes in 1991 and ’92.
After the 1991-92 season, he applied for 22 jobs around the country and failed to land one.
“Not one,” Webster said. “And I’m three years older now.
“I’m a basketball coach, but I think I might be forced into another career.”
