Coaches Told CS Fullerton Football Saved

Cal State Fullerton’s Division I-A football program, out of business only a week ago, apparently will see another season.

Milton A. Gordon, school president, said he will make an official announcement on the fate of the program at an 11 a.m. news conference today, but Titan coaches were informed Thursday night that the sport was being saved.

Coach Gene Murphy and his assistants wouldn’t comment, but redshirt freshman offensive lineman John Cotti and redshirt junior receiver Shawn Facione said coaches told them they would be playing next season.

“They’re saving the program--it’s great news,” said Cotti, who was working out in the weight room when word came. “Now I’m excited. Hopefully, this will bring us all closer together. We had a rough year (1-11 last season), but I think we’re going to come back strong.”

Gordon had received an athletics council recommendation that football be dropped because of state funding problems, and the athletic department was projecting at least a $500,000 budget shortfall.

Murphy told recruits to pursue other schools and began calling coaches to inquire about openings for his assistants.

But in the past week, City of Fullerton officials have urged Gordon to retain the sport. The Titan Athletic Foundation already has received more than $100,000 in football pledges without a formal campaign to save the program.

Gordon spent much of a Tuesday night meeting with boosters who were adamant about retaining I-A football.