Oxnard Could Lose Athletics to Budget Cuts : Junior colleges: School officials are considering the suspension of all nine intercollegiate teams; spending reduction of $4.6 million proposed.

The future of the Oxnard College athletic program is in doubt, although school administrators and two Oxnard coaches have differing perceptions of just how seriously the program is in jeopardy.

Ventura County Community College District officials are considering a $63.5-million budget that includes $4.6 million in cuts. But even that may not be enough.

District officials might have to cut an additional $670,000 before the fall term begins and the severity of the budget crisis has left Oxnard considering the elimination of its athletic program.

The budget problems also might cut into Moorpark’s athletic program. One to three sports could be eliminated, Moorpark College President Stan Bowers said.

“The athletic program is being reviewed along with eight or nine other options,” Oxnard Athletic Director Ralph Smith said. “The program has not been cut. It is being looked at.”

Dave Taylor, Oxnard baseball coach, was not so optimistic.

“They don’t understand people’s jobs and lives are in limbo because of this decision,” Taylor said of what he assumed to be a final decision. “Morale is very poor.”

Taylor and basketball Coach Remy McCarthy were both pessimistic after talking to Smith individually Tuesday morning. Both coaches said they discussed with the athletic director the possibility of the program’s suspension for a year or more.

“Suspension is termination as far as I’m concerned,” McCarthy said. “This kind of thing sets you back quite a ways.”

Taylor said Smith told him to tell his players the program likely would be canceled. Smith denied doing so.

Taylor said he has stopped recruiting, and McCarthy said, “just the fact that it’s being mentioned puts doubts in kids’ minds.”

Smith said the athletic budget is $260,000 per year, and Oxnard fields teams in nine sports. If the program is cut, Smith said all but two coaches, McCarthy and cross-country Coach Juan Hernandez, likely would lose their positions because they are not employed elsewhere at the college.

In addition to their coaching duties, McCarthy teaches physical education and Hernandez is a part-time counselor and physical education instructor.

Oxnard President Elise Schneider characterized speculation on the demise of intercollegiate sports as premature.

“It’s one of many budget items we’re looking at,” Schneider said. “We have some major budget cuts to make. I don’t know whether that will be a cut or not.”

Smith said the Oxnard budget committee has yet to kill the athletic program.

“I feel good because the committee did not make a decision today,” Smith said.

But, Smith conceded, the matter is hardly closed.

“Am I concerned? You better believe it,” he said.