Goshen College softball season won’t take place in 2008

GOSHEN, Ind. – After careful deliberation, the decision has been made to not field a Goshen College softball team for the 2008 spring season, which had been scheduled to begin March 13. Interim Athletic Director Doug Yoder said the decision was made because of a shortage of student-athletes. As of Feb. 13, the team had eight student-athletes, including one injured player; a minimum of nine players are required to start softball games.

“We are disappointed to have had to make this decision, but Goshen College remains committed to the education, spiritual development and well being of all student-athletes,” said Bill Born, vice president for student life. “For that reason, all current softball team players, including one who was planning to ‘redshirt’ this season, will retain their athletic scholarships this year.” The players and their parents were informed of the decision on Feb. 15 and they will be part of the conversation in planning for and strengthening future seasons for the program.

“We thank Coach Linda Bontrager for her efforts the past two years to the softball program and the Athletic Department,” Yoder said. Bontrager is no longer in her position, and the college has begun the recruitment for a new softball coach. Yoder will take over day-to-day operations of the program, including recruiting and contact with student-athletes and their parents until a search is complete for a new head coach.

“Goshen College is committed to all 14 of our athletic teams,” Yoder said. “After contact with the NAIA National Office and Mike Fratzke, current president of the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference, we are confident that our program will not be affected long-term and can move forward with the 2009 season. This decision is consistent with our commitment to a top-quality athletics program.”

As stated in the Philosophy of Athletics at Goshen College, which was approved by the college’s board of directors in 1996, “Our intercollegiate athletics program is an important facet of the total educational program at Goshen College. A quality athletic program provides opportunities for the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of its participants, players and coaches. Quality includes a chance to succeed athletically. It also means fidelity to our college mission, fairness in opportunity for women and men, support for the academic aspirations of athletes, good sportsmanship and attractive facilities. Athletes have the opportunity to learn the important life skills of wise time management, leadership and teamwork. Such life skills contribute positively to student performance on the playing field, in the classrooms and in residence life. Athletic teams have numerous opportunities to model a Christian lifestyle.”

“Goshen College has made this difficult decision because of its commitment to this Philosophy of Athletics. We also are committed to making sure Goshen College’s 2009 softball team members receive the support they need to thrive as student-athletes,” Yoder said.

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College Sports Information Director Josh Gleason at (574) 535-7497 or joshag@goshen.edu.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, “Colleges of Distinction,” “Making a Difference College Guide” and U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit www.goshen.edu.

Goshen College competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Mid-Central Conference. For the latest scores, game recaps and recruiting news, visit the official site of Goshen College Athletics at: www.GoLeafs.net.