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The university administration confirmed today that the Women's Rugby program will be retained and funded. We have reached out to leadership to ensure the financial commitments are documented and finalized. Thank you for providing the leverage needed to secure this outcome.

April 14, 2012

EIU Women's Rugby

EIU Women's Rugby

🏆 Won — 308 supporters Verified

Final supporters

L
Laswew
A
Alexander S.
B
Barbara J.
L
levi c.
B
Brandon H.
A
Ashley C.
A
Ashley J.
A
Anissa R.
J
Joe G.
C
courtney s.
+298 more
BC
Started by Becky Carlson 14 years, 6 months ago
Dear EIU Alum and Supporters, In the wake of the financial hardships that have been endured by many educational institutions in the state of Illinois and throughout the U.S, Eastern Illinois University has been greatly affected in all areas of academics and athletics. As a result, the historical first D-I Women's Rugby program at Eastern Illinois University, after years of operating under a depleting budget, is being considered for elimination. The current student-athletes, prospective recruits and your history are in jeopardy. Please pledge your support with a signature and ANY OTHER comments that you wish to be sent along to the administration urging them to find a way to sustain the program and support it in the future. Let them know what your experience as a female student-athlete at EIU has done for you and what you believe rugby can continue to bring to generations to come. EIU Rugby is currently in the top 5 for attendance and produces a winning product each year despite having less than quarter scholarship to operate on for the last 10 years. Please take a moment and join us. While the decision has not been made yet, we are attempting to mobilize our voices for release of this petition to the administration if necessary. Any questions please contact Becky Carlson at [email protected] Thank you for your support and Go Panthers, Becky Carlson '03 and '06 Alum

Updates

Reached 250 supporters

February 2, 2012

February 1, 2012

The volume of support has now reached a scale that demands a formal response from university administration. I am currently finalizing the documents to present these signatures and testimonials directly to the athletic department office.

Reached 100 supporters

January 25, 2012

6 Comments

T
Tom Murphy
14 years ago Featured

Total BS. They win championships every year and barely get any funding. Fix the budget elsewhere and leave the players alone.

J
Jessica Nichols
14 years ago Featured

So sad to hear this news... rugby was the best part of my college experience. Keep the team alive!

M
Mike Hill
14 years ago Featured

Cutting the best program on campus is a huge mistake. These girls work harder than any other team i know.

S
Sarah Yamamoto
14 years ago Featured

My time on the pitch at EIU gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in my career. Don't take this opportunity away from these women.

A
Amanda Phillips
14 years ago Featured

I met my best friends for life through this program. Its about way more than just a sport, its our community. Please rethink this.

R
Rachel Weber
14 years ago Featured

Go Panthers!! Keep rugby at EIU!

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