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More info needed for KCC athletics
Aprilk 2, 2007
Klamath Community College officials want more information before deciding whether to fund sports programs. Lukewarm response from KCC students during a recent survey is one reason the board of directors is proceeding slowly.
Board members directed Jeff McCarty of the school's health, physical education and recreation staff to talk with local high school coaches to gauge interest at that level. He will report back to the board about how many high school athletes want to compete at KCC, and what sports they would choose.
McCarty, who recently talked with community college officials across the state, said most reported additional students enrolling when an athlete enrolls.
“They usually bring a boyfriend or a girlfriend or another friend,” he said.
However, that's not likely to provide enough revenue to offset the cost of competitive sports, which would almost certainly be borne by students.
KCC President Fred Smith said that's the problem board members are struggling with.
“The board does not want an activity fee,” Smith said. “They don't want students hurt by this.”
In a recent memo to board members, he urged a conservative approach.
“If the board were to desire an athletic program, I would suggest one program for women and men with one coach,” Smith said.
Lack of facilities is one of the roadblocks to a sports program. The board has discussed leasing facilities, but made no decision.
Possible profit
Smith said some colleges operate recreational facilities at a profit.
“Perhaps that could occur at KCC and help with retention of students,” Smith said. “If nothing else, a center with a gym could be leased most months.”
Since the memo was given to the board, Smith said the KCC Foundation has learned it will receive a donation of $500,000 earmarked for construction of a recreation center for college and community use.
Smith said the donor's name cannot be revealed because the will has not been executed. He said the donation doesn't necessarily tip the decision in favor of athletics.
- Steve Kadel
Klamath Community College officials want more information before deciding whether to fund sports programs. Lukewarm response from KCC students during a recent survey is one reason the board of directors is proceeding slowly.
Board members directed Jeff McCarty of the school's health, physical education and recreation staff to talk with local high school coaches to gauge interest at that level. He will report back to the board about how many high school athletes want to compete at KCC, and what sports they would choose.
McCarty, who recently talked with community college officials across the state, said most reported additional students enrolling when an athlete enrolls.
“They usually bring a boyfriend or a girlfriend or another friend,” he said.
However, that's not likely to provide enough revenue to offset the cost of competitive sports, which would almost certainly be borne by students.
KCC President Fred Smith said that's the problem board members are struggling with.
“The board does not want an activity fee,” Smith said. “They don't want students hurt by this.”
In a recent memo to board members, he urged a conservative approach.
“If the board were to desire an athletic program, I would suggest one program for women and men with one coach,” Smith said.
Lack of facilities is one of the roadblocks to a sports program. The board has discussed leasing facilities, but made no decision.
Possible profit
Smith said some colleges operate recreational facilities at a profit.
“Perhaps that could occur at KCC and help with retention of students,” Smith said. “If nothing else, a center with a gym could be leased most months.”
Since the memo was given to the board, Smith said the KCC Foundation has learned it will receive a donation of $500,000 earmarked for construction of a recreation center for college and community use.
Smith said the donor's name cannot be revealed because the will has not been executed. He said the donation doesn't necessarily tip the decision in favor of athletics.
- Steve Kadel
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