After much consideration, Northland Community & Technical College is discontinuing its intercollegiate football program, effective immediately.
Northland has made many accommodations throughout the years to find a model that supports a strong football program, such as increased coaching resources and student-friendly housing with multiple payment models. More recently, the college conducted an extensive analysis of the program, including a review of data on program and support service costs including those mentioned above, academic performance, and persistence of players.
“This has been a difficult decision to make for our college, as we appreciate and value the commitment and passion that the players, coaches, staff, and supporters in our community have shown for the Northland football program over the years,” states President Dennis Bona, “We will work with our student-athletes to help them get placed in other conference football programs.”
In conjunction with the student senate, Northland will explore ways to reinvest the nearly $30,000 in funds allocated for the football program to strengthen current student activities and develop new student life opportunities. The college is committed to finding ways to grow student activities on both the East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls campuses, including the possible addition of more affordable team sports with broader appeal to the student population.