Gordon, Titan Coaches Discuss Budget, Football

Cal State Fullerton coaches met with university President Milton Gordon for an hour Monday to discuss the shrinking athletic budget and the possible return of football.

The coaches had requested a meeting after an athletic department staff meeting this month in which they learned that Gordon remained committed to bringing back football at the Division I-AA level in 1994. He remains so despite the fact that each sport’s budget will be cut about 10%.

Gordon, who could not be reached for comment, told the coaches the football question is still being reviewed and reiterated that the money set aside for the sport--about $35,000, half-a-year’s salary for a coach to be hired on Jan. 1, 1994--was done so last fall and has no bearing on the current budget.

“The president was very communicative,” gymnastics Coach Lynn Rogers said. “It was an exchange of concerns about direction and funding. It was an upbeat deal.”

Said women’s tennis Coach Bill Reynolds: “We were just trying to set up some dialogue, talk to (Gordon). I think it was good.”

Rogers said budgetary issues were only touched upon briefly.

“It was more of a philosophical discussion than about specific budget issues,” Rogers said.