Fullerton Able to Play Football

Cal State Fullerton will continue to play Division I-A football, university President Milton A. Gordon announced at a news conference Friday.

Gordon, who had been considering an Athletics Council recommendation to drop the sport because of state funding problems, said his decision to continue the football program “reflects the clear and strong support that has emerged during the past week.”

Before making his decision, Gordon met with the University Advisory Board, the Academic Senate, the Alumni Assn., the Titan Athletic Foundation, Fullerton Mayor Chris Norby and members of the City Council, plus representatives from the faculty, staff, coaches, parents, students and community businesses.

Gordon said the athletic department has launched a fund-raiser with a goal of $650,000, which would cover a $150,000 departmental budget deficit and a $500,000 projected shortfall for the next school year. At a booster club meeting Tuesday night, Titan Athletic Foundation members pledged almost $100,000 to save football.

“The community members with whom I’ve talked this week have provided convincing assurances of their willingness to give personally and to assume leadership roles in raising $650,000 for the coming year and an appropriate amount for 1992-93,” Gordon said. “I’m grateful for their stepping forward to keep Titan football alive.”