Master’s Cuts Out Softball : Program Falls Prey to Budget Crunch

After a slow start attributable to inexperience, The Master’s College softball team concluded last season by making its first appearance in the National Assn. of Intercollegiate Athletics District III playoffs.

The success buoyed the hopes of freshman third baseman Pam Hale, who figured a championship was in sight next season for the Lady Mustangs.

“We did very well for having seven freshmen on our team,” Hale said. “There is no doubt in my mind we were going to do well in the years to come.”

The prospects for success were dashed last month when the softball program was eliminated, a casualty of campus-wide financial cutbacks.

“I know the kids are disappointed because they’ve put in a lot of time, developed a team unity and they feel they’ve given something to the school,” said Pat Harrison, the athletic director at Master’s. “For the administrators, it was not an easy choice.”

And for the players who helped Master’s compile a modest 13-17 record--nonetheless the best in school history--the wounds are not easily salved.

“I signed a four-year contract with that school and they didn’t honor that contract,” said pitcher Michelle Vail, one of four scholarship players who lost their grants in the wake of the cut. “I was angry and bitter at the school when it happened and I still am.”

Coach Mike Vail, Michelle’s father, was informed of the decision by Geoff Zahn, who was the school’s athletic director before resigning in June for personal reasons.

Harrison, who doubles as Master’s baseball coach, sent a letter to softball team members to formalize the announcement.

“I was furious because they did not honor their commitment to me,” said Hale, who lost a partial scholarship worth $2,000.

Mike Vail said the players were willing to raise the funds necessary to maintain the program if the school would honor the scholarships.

“But it was just one of those things,” he said. “When you have to cut back, you have to cut back.”

Many of the players are undecided whether they will return to the Newhall campus or transfer to a junior college or other four-year school.

Tammy Capilla, who pitched at Leffingwell Christian High last season and had accepted a scholarship the Master’s, has since received a scholarship to Texas A&M.;

Michelle Vail and Hale said they will transfer to Pierce.

Harrison said the prospect of reinstating the program is uncertain.

“We don’t know what the future will be for it down the road,” Harrison said. “This is a small private school. It just depends on how the school does financially.”