Los Angeles Valley College doesn’t have the rep of a UCLA, USC or Oxy, but its track records are impressive, including 10.30 for 100, 40.4 in the 4×1 and 7-1 in the high jump. LAVC may lose its track program, though. (And with it more potential masters tracksters down the line.) Sacramento worlds M60 vault champion Steve Morris writes: “My nephew, Brooks, who is a volunteer track coach at Los Angeles Valley College, is trying to save the program at LAVC” and shared information on how others can help keep it alive. Many masters got their start in high school, I realize. But those lucky enough to continue their careers in college are often the most dedicated masters athletes decades later. Hope LAVC can hang on.

Here’s what Steve and Brooks are circulating:

Subject: basic info to use in the letter writing campaign

This is the info about the program and situation.

Issue: The suspension and inevitable elimination of men’s and women’s track and field at Los Angeles Valley college for the year 2014 and beyond.

Extended Issue:  Though the College and District knew about the cut potential in June 2013 the program was cut Nov. 1 2013, after students/athletes committed to their year of schooling to attend as well as their fees, tuition, and paid for books.

Causation Facts:

1) School administration has created a $6 million deficit.

2) Athletics is saddled with cutting $105,000 from their budget in 2014.
                              
3) Mens and women’s track, and most likely cross country too, will get the axe.
                              
4) The program is suspended, but we know, if no one raises their voice, that means death to the program.
                              
5) The college claims to require $105,000 in funds to buy the sport back. But I am informed that If $50,000-60,000 can be raised then they may be forced to respond in the positive.
                              
6) This will directly effect roughly 55 students, In 2013-2014 alone, But an untold amount in the future.
                              
7) There will be no community college track programs left in the San Fernando valley.
                               
8) The San Fernando Valley is one of the most fertile regions athletically in the nation.
                               
9) Remaining in the LA community college district, will only be West LA college, East LA college, and a skeleton squad at LA Trade Tech.
                               
10) Los Angles is the Recruiting Mecca of talent in the US.

11) There is no where for these Kids to go in the Valley if they can’t afford, or get into the over impacted Cal State system, or UC system.
                               
12) Student enrollment is down at LAVC.
                               
13) Track and field as well as all athletics is the only department on campus willing to raise its own funds (though discouraged through high tariffs), and recruit students to attend their specific campus.

Team Facts:

1) LAVC and Lucky Strike (USATF Pole Vault Club) have worked hand in hand since 2008 to 2013 to create a program that brings in student athletes who pay fees tuition, and books.

2) Sixteen Athletes over that period have come to Valley specifically to pole vault.
                       
3) All have ended up exemplary students. (3 department scholar athlete awards)
                       
4) All have had exceptional improvement and development.
 – 6 Jr. Col. All-Americans
 – 1 USATF Jr. National Champion.
 – 1 IAAF Jr. World Championship finalist.
 – 2 NCAA Div I athletic scholarships earned
 – 1 NCAA Div II athletic scholarship earned
                        
5) All sixteen athletes have either earned their 4 year degree, or are on schedule to earn their four-year degree.
                        
6) These students range from kids that qualified out of High school to attend top 4-year institutions, yet they came to Valley to pole vault, to Students never intending to go to college at all, yet have earned quality 4-year degrees. These are life changing experiences.
                        
7) The club and college team have provided numerous opportunities for the surrounding community to advance their skills and expose what the college offers to potential students.
                        
8) None of what this relationship has produced has cost the college or district a dime in terms of equipment or other necessary expenses towards their development.

We are looking for sharply worded letters to the interim president of the college and possibly to the LA Community College District Board of Trustees. Not belligerent, but expressing disappointment in the decision, and its effects on the community, society, and enrollment.

The fact that the kids are paying for the fact that administration has not done their job, and the fact that the kids have made the commitment and paid their tuition and fees, yet had the carpet pulled out from underneath them at the last minute. Also we are creating a foundation to raise enough funds to buy our way back in. Goal; $65,000.

I am not an employee of the school; I am a concerned volunteer and a tireless advocate for track and field, pole vault, and opponent of bureaucratic bungling.

LA Valley College presidents name is Alma Johnson-Hawkins and her email is johnsoal@lavc.edu