Athletics seeks $15K in ASF funds
Campus Times
December 12, 1997
Athletic Director Jim Paschal presented the Associated Students Federation
(ASF) Forum with his plans to put in a new gym floor. The floor will cost
approximately $165,000. Paschal is asking ASF to fund $15,000.
Considering an allocation request of $15,000, the Associated Students
Federation (ASF) Forum was presented with information Wednesday from Athletic
Director Jimmy Paschal regarding the proposed new gym floor.
Paschal was invited to the meeting after Forum members felt they did
not have enough information to make a decision regarding the large request.
In his presentation to the Forum, Paschal explained reasons for a new
floor, citing safety issues and long-term injuries athletes have complained
of because of the hard floor surface. Paschal explained that the polyurethane
floor product has been leaching over the years, creating a surface that
is, he said, much like cement.
"I'm not sure any of us have ever been happy with the floor,"
said Paschal, explaining the numerous problems.
Besides the safety issue, Paschal also noted that an unattractive and
unsafe floor creates problems with recruitment and that it further reduces
the level of performance from athletes.
He told Forum members that the men's volleyball team practices in the
Old Gym, where there is a traditional hardwood floor. He told Forum members,
"They don't want to be there [the Student Center Gym]."
He said a number of players have experienced shin splints, that could
be a result of the displacement and force factors of the floor, though he
said no injuries are on record.
Paschal said the floor will cost approximately $165,000, and explained
his recent fundraising efforts saying, "Now where do I get money? I
haven't seen any money drop from the sky in La Verne in the 25 years I've
been here."
Paschal said President Stephen Morgan has been extremely positive about
the floor and through recent discussions, Dr. Morgan has challenged Athletics
to raise $65,000. Paschal said Dr. Morgan told him if this is raised, the
University will handle the balance.
Dr. Morgan recalled the conversation, saying, "I told Jimmy that
obviously the new gym floor is a high priority," though the Education
Building is currently the top priority for the University because of the
need for classroom space.
He said that because Paschal did not have a confirmed total for the
cost of the floor, Dr. Morgan could not give an exact amount that the University
could contribute, though he said the numbers Paschal gave to the Forum were
represented fairly. He said the money from the University will come from
the Plant Fund, which covers physical plant improvements.
ASF members asked Paschal numerous questions, many regarding maintenance
and upkeep of a new floor. They also seemed concerned with the possibility
of holding traditional events in the gym, such as the Holiday Dinner. Paschal
seemed open to the idea, considering all methods would be taken to keep
the proposed floor clean and in good shape.
Forum members have not yet voted on the allocation regarding the floor.
President Dan Lougheed asked for members to think about the issue over the
holiday break.
Normally, the Financial Review Board (FRB) handles allocation requests,
but because the ASF constitution states that the FRB can only allocate a
maximum of $1,200 to each club on campus, the large request was immediately
forwarded to the Forum for consideration.
The Forum will decide on the allocation at its January retreat. If it
funds the project, it will become a budget item and Lougheed and ASF accountant
Matthew Policare will have to revise the budget. Then it will present the
revised budget at the Feb. 4 Forum meeting. The approval of the new budget
would then be approved at the Feb. 11 meeting.
