A few media updates for you. After considerable feedback on football, I have decided to give the external football supporters approval to seek funding for the program. Football can contribute to the richness of our campus and community experience.
Football is increasingly popular at Maine high schools.
More than 60 schools now offer football, serving approximately 3,300 Maine youngsters. Those high school seniors who want to play college football in northern New England have few opportunities. Football can increase our enrollment at a time when the undergraduate admissions market is becoming even more competitive. In the fall of 2003, the number of high school graduates will begin to decline, with a 17 percent reduction predicted by 2011. Our Department of Athletics' emphasis on academic performance would ensure that football attracts and retains motivated, qualified students.