Eric SorensonAs well-dressed Scottsdale Community College head football coach Doug Madoski addressed the Maricopa County Community District Governing Board dozens of former and current junior college players stood downstairs outside in the rain chanting, “Athletes matter, athletes matter!”
#JUCO football players, coaches, staff members march in hopes of saving football past the 2018 season. @4Juco @McccdW pic.twitter.com/md6MPUxSBZ
— Sports360AZ (@Sports360AZ) February 28, 2018
After reports surfaced earlier this month the MCCCD would be eliminating football following the 2018 season the foursome of schools (Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Glendale) have been proactive in not only revitalizing Valley JUCO moving forward but uncovering some mis-leading information as to the reasoning behind shutting down the programs.
.@artichokenation stating his case to keep football at #SCC and the other three MCCCD schools past 2018 season to MCCCD governing board in Tempe. pic.twitter.com/HLdbwK1M3Y
— Sports360AZ (@Sports360AZ) February 28, 2018
Following a spirited, yet friendly, three-block march to the doors of the MCCCD headquarters in Tempe Tuesday evening Madoski stepped up to the podium and spoke on behalf of not only his Artichoke program but the thousands of former, current and potentially future football student-athletes who are feeling the ramifications of this decision.
One current junior college player, whose success story I recently spotlighted, was present and vocal in regards to the opportunity he was given through Valley junior college football.
He spoke about why eliminating Valley junior college is a poor decision.
“I just think it’s a bad idea,” Glendale Community College offensive lineman and University of Memphis commit Manny Orona said to the assembled media. “You’re stealing someone’s chance to have a better life in the future.”
