The Valley Made Its Stand at Northridge

There are times when a call for action is needed, when people must stand up and be counted.

One by one, with phone calls, faxes, e-mails and letters, the quiet, unassuming people of the San Fernando Valley expressed their outrage at Cal State Northridge President Blenda J. Wilson’s decision last summer to cancel four successful men’s sports teams.

The message was clear: Eliminating a nationally ranked baseball team was unacceptable. Spiking a nationally ranked volleyball team was inexcusable. Wiping out a popular soccer team was unexplainable. Ending a tradition-filled swimming team was unfathomable.

Finally, 193 days since that fateful, unprecedented morning of doom and gloom on June 11, people power won. The big wigs heard the calls of injustice and reversed themselves.

Wilson on Monday committed herself to restoring the sports for next season and beyond.

Of course there’s no guarantee that means forever, just like there’s no guarantee a comet won’t hit in 50 years. But Wilson has listened, watched and learned that people who support the 40-year-old Northridge sports program really care.

Northridge supporters wish their university well in the Big Sky Conference, but they are not ready to sacrifice their Southern California sports identity for the sake of football or conference affiliation.

“The community is what got this done,” said Mike Batesole, Northridge’s baseball coach. “They spoke loud that they want to keep four sports. People listened. They spoke out and saved us.”

Indeed, many unsung people stepped forward to make their voices heard. There was Duke Russell, a senior citizen from Hollywood with no ties to Northridge but an unwavering commitment to young people. He made more calls than a telemarketer.

There was Norman Pate, a community member and father who showed up at every task force meeting and kept asking questions and demanding answers about the athletic budget.

There was Becky Leveque, mother of Crespi pitcher Tim Leveque, a Northridge graduate who refused to let people use gender equity as an excuse for dismantling successful men’s programs.

There was Jon Hatemi, a six-year veteran of the U.S. Army and student body vice president who mobilized students and wasn’t afraid to take on administrators in their suits and ties.

There was Dr. Keith Richman, the chairman of the Task Force on Intercollegiate Athletics who somehow turned a mess into an opportunity to revitalize Northridge’s sports program.

There was state Sen. Cathie Wright (R-Simi Valley), a feisty, determined politician who might have seen an opportunity to help her political cause but ended up believing in all the people who called and asked for help.

There were countless Northridge athletes and students who put off homework assignments and postponed Monday night college engagements to sit through meetings their parents wouldn’t likely attend.

Give Wilson credit for doing what presidents are supposed to do--follow the wishes of their constituents. If only she had been better advised, if only she had studied the history of this community, no one would have needed to go through this painful process.

It’s time to put the problems of the past behind and seek a successful future. It won’t be easy to create a productive fund-raising drive to put Northridge’s men’s and women’s sports teams on solid financial footing, but it’s time to try.

Wilson has made a $5,000 pledge herself to the athletic program. More funds--and volunteers--are needed.

Just like it was time to stand up and be counted last summer, it’s time to build something special at Northridge.

How to Help

Cal State Northridge President Blenda J. Wilson has launched a fund-raising drive to support the school athletic program by pledging $5,000 of her own money.

Those wishing to give financial donations can call (818) 677-3208 or send checks to the Northridge athletic department, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, Calif. 91330. The checks can be made out to the athletic department or a sport.

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Eric Sondheimer is the local columnist. He can be reached at (818) 772-3422.