Cloudy skies. Low 18F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..
Cloudy skies. Low 18F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: November 25, 2024 @ 10:28 pm
NonStop Local
MSUB’s decision to discontinue the men’s soccer program after this academic year has sparked strong reactions within the community. Many alumni and former faculty members, including former head coach Alexandre Balog and former athletic director Gary Gray, are expressing their disappointment and seeking more transparency from the school. Community members are working on a proposal to present to MSUB, hoping for a collaborative effort to save the program.
BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana State University Billings (MSUB) announced last week that it will discontinue the men’s soccer program after this academic year. This decision has sparked significant reactions from the community.
Numerous emails and phone calls have been received here at KULR-8, from individuals connected to the program, expressing shock at the announcement. Many shared how the program helped them grow and gave them opportunities to contribute to the community. They are saddened that future athletes will miss out on these experiences.
Alexandre Balog, a former head coach of MSUB men’s soccer, emphasized the impact of the program. “I want coaches to have the same experiences that I had, I mean my time at Billings was incredible, I’ve met some of the nicest, best people I’ve come across in my life,” he said. “This experience is life-changing in our opinion and serves the community, I think at a different level, is an experience we want to stay around.”
Balog mentioned that hundreds of alumni and former faculty have expressed disappointment in the school’s decision. Many are disgruntled with how the announcement was handled and are seeking more explanation.
Former Athletic Director Gary Gray, who helped start the men’s soccer program in 1996, also voiced concerns. He noted that such abrupt program endings are atypical, as schools usually announce a 1-5 year plan to allow time for students and coaches to prepare. Gray said, “It’s gonna have an emotional impact, where the soccer community, I think, my words, but I think they’re gonna feel betrayed.”
Earlier today, Balog and others met with MSUB Chancellor Stefani Hicsaw and Athletic Director Michael Bazemore to seek answers about the decision. Balog felt dissatisfied with the lack of responses to his questions. He and others plan to send a proposal to the school detailing long-term solutions to save the program.
“I really hope we can come to an equitable and fair solution,” Balog stated. “All we’re asking for is a fair shot.”
MSUB provided a statement last week, saying, “After careful examination of the athletic department’s past, present, and projected resources, MSUB’s Department of Athletics made the difficult decision to discontinue the men’s soccer program at the end of this academic year.”
For more information on MSUB’s decision, visit their official statement here.
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