Just hours before National Signing Day a number of local high school football players are reconsidering their options and futures after multiple sources confirmed to Sports360AZ.com Wednesday the Maricopa County Community College District will be eliminating football programs at Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix and Scottsdale Community College following the completion of the upcoming fall 2018 season.
A number of 2018 players who had signed, or were seriously considering one of the MCCCD schools as an option, said to Sports360AZ.com they would now re-evaluate the process with their families before moving forward given the news.
Eliminating local junior college football programs has been discussed for a number of years as concerns were raised over deteriorating grade-point-averages, rising insurance costs and other factors believed to weigh on MCCCD budgets. At this time none of the other sports programs at the quartet of schools will be affected the decision.
Sports360AZ.com also confirmed incoming JUCO football student-athletes who have signed with one of the four colleges mentioned above will have their scholarships honored for two years. Sophomore players, most of which won’t be impacted by this breaking news, will also retain their scholarships through the rest of 2018.
Valley community college programs have provided an academic and football stepping stone for a number of players who have gone on to fulfill their dream of playing high-level college football, including GCC’s Manny Orona.
Western State Football League members Arizona Western, Eastern Arizona and Pima Community College will continue to operate their programs.
