Sonoma, Calif. (KGO) – In the North Bay, students and faculty at Sonoma State University after a defeat of Sonoma State University, who would have paused a controversial plan to reduce all athletic programs and some academic classes, to help conclude a budget lack of dollars. Now that student athletes try to decide what their next step will be – many say they will transfer to other schools.
“It’s a bit like a stitch in the back,” said Morgan Kingsbury.
Morgan Kingsbury is one of the many student athletes of Sonoma State University, now at a crossroads.
On Friday, a judge of the Sonoma County Superior Court rejected a legal challenge of seven student athletes, who tried to block the cuts of all athletic programs and some academic courses.
“Just know that we came here to play softball for four years, was thrown away among us,” said Alexis Camberos, Sonoma State Women’s Softball Player.
The lawsuit knew the way for the controversial budget reductions of Sonoma State to continue, to close a shortage of $ 24 million.
Related: Sonoma State to lower the entire athletics program, degrees and more to tackle a lack of budget with almost $ 24 million
In message at the campus community, Sonoma State Interim -President Emily Cutrer said:
“While the court’s decision confirms that the state of Sonoma State to take action to resolve its financial situation and offer a measure of resolution, I acknowledge the difficult impact on our community and so many of its beloved members. In the future we will continue to communicate with transparency.”
“We are still fighting, I knew that this would be difficult, still talking with local legislators,” said men’s football coach, Marcus Ziemer.
The clock is tapping the calls – the final week and the start of graduation is this weekend.
Many student athletes have joined.
“It’s a fuck, we are planning and going to play somewhere else,” Kingsbury added.
Related: North Bay Wetgevers look for answers to the future of the controversial Sonoma State in the midst of $ 24 million budget deficit
“I also cross and try to find another place, somewhere in California,”
“I consider every teammate as a brother, it’s hard to process what was done,” said SSU men’s football player, Oscar Palmerin.
The law firm that represents the students says that around 5,000 students were registered with Sonoma State with nearly 250 students who participate in sport. It is unclear where the registration leaves behind when many decide to leave.
“I already know that deposits are no longer, the applications are no more than the next fall,” said Ziemer.
Gerard Guidicy, mayor of Rohnert Park, says he invested in helping Sonoma State to survive and succeed. His city is part of an economic partnership with the university.
“The children bring a unique dynamic, not only freshness, but spend money on gas and Taco Bell,” said Guidicy.
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