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Posted on Dec 3, 2014

Students React To UAB Football Program Being Shut Down

After one of the most successful seasons for the UAB Blazers, President of the university, Dr. Ray Watts, informed his student body by e-mail that football, bowling, and the rifle teams would be shut down. Students did not accept the decision. #FreeUAB

by zzaslawsky

Community Contributor

Today UAB's student population was sent an e-mail by the university's president. He goes on to say "It would be fiscally irresponsible and virtually impossible to keep pace with these growing financial demands without sacrificing the financial health and sustainability of Athletics, or redirecting funds from other critical areas of importance, like education, research, patient care or student services." Basically, Watts said, "I mean it's football or a cure for cancer, you pick." But this is not the ultimatum UAB is facing.

This past football season, UAB became bowl eligible for the first time in a decade. With Coach Clark, the team won more games this season than past coach Garrick McGee's two seasons combined. Attendance at games was increasing, spirit on campus was growing, and after beating Southern Miss 45-24 this past Saturday, the team and its fans were rewarded this Tuesday with the elimination of the program, along with the bowling and rifle teams. Blazerettes, Golden Girls, the band, Greek Life, and other organizations will be greatly impacted from the decision as well.

Students are furious. They have been protesting since Sunday on the administration building and the green and directly contacting Dr. Ray Watts. Not only are students angry at Watts, who eliminated the program (the week before finals), but they also look to University of Alabama Board of Trustees (UA BOT) who have historically and suspiciously influenced UAB presidents' decisions that always seemed to not benefit UAB. Students campaigned for an on campus stadium in 2011, but the BOT would not approve the construction. The current (well, past) UAB stadium of Legion Field is possibly the least hospitable place on Earth. UAB is the state's largest employer, and is often nicknamed "The University that ate Birmingham." Its growth was impressive, from the beginnings as a small commuter school to now a thriving college campus equipped with sports, Greek life, dorms, and constant expansion.

Angry students, crushed athletes, and fed up alumni have taken to Twitter to voice their disappointment. Some powerful, some impressively clever, these are the voices of UAB.

#FreeUAB is trending worldwide.