Dear President Van Tassell, Athletic Director Brazill, and Members of the Board of Trustees,
I am writing to express my deep disappointment and strong opposition to the decision to reclassify Saint Francis University’s athletic program from NCAA Division I to Division III. The way this decision was made—without input from student-athletes, coaches, faculty, alumni, or parents—is disheartening and a violation of the values Saint Francis claims to uphold.
There was no financial data shared, no public discussion, and no chance for community input. If you were confident this was the right move, the process would have been transparent. The secrecy surrounding it suggests you knew how deeply unpopular it would be.
I am the parent of a current Saint Francis football player. Just last season, our team made history by defeating an FBS program for the first time ever. Meanwhile, our men’s basketball team earned its first NCAA tournament berth since 1991. These are milestones—not signs of decline, but of a program on the rise.
Our goal is not to beat Southeastern Conference giants. It's to compete honorably with peer institutions in the Northeast Conference, schools facing the same financial challenges we do. And we’ve proven we can compete. Please don’t take that opportunity away.
I respectfully urge you to pause this process, release the financial justification, and invite input from all stakeholders through open forums and honest dialogue. There’s still time to listen, reconsider, and do what’s right.
Sincerely,
David and Susie Courtney
Parents of Saint Francis Football Player, Jack Courtney
703-786-9165
My schedule as a D1 college basketball player was as follows:
830: grab some breakfast
9-11: morning classes or morning study hall
1130-12: eat lunch
1230-115: treatment of my body. (Stretching, heat and stim, foam rolling, taping ankles)
115-145: Get shots up before practice
145-215: Film study
215-4: Team practice
4-445: Team lift/conditioning
445-5: Treatment on the body again. (Ice bath or hot tub)
5-515: Shower
515-545: Team meal with the other players and staff.
6-8: night classes or study hall.
Basketball becomes a job at the division one level! Prepare yourself accordingly ahead of time.
I want to thank my family, friends, coaches and trainers for putting me in the position I am today. I want to specifically thank my mom and dad for continuing to spend their time and money to support me in any way possible. They are the best parents I could ever ask for. Even when they didn't want to take me to a workout, they took me. Regardless of whether I play badly or well, they're always right by my side. Also, I want to thank my trainers Jonesy and Denzel for training me and finding out about me in elementary school. Over the years, they've helped me grow as a person and player and have become family over the years. I want to thank both the Trinity staff and Philly Pride staff for pushing me to be better. Specifically, thanks to Coach Kostelac for coaching me these last 3 years. He has helped me with this decision immensely. With that being said, I have decided to commit to SIENA COLLEGE! Thank you to Siena, especially Coaches GMac and Blackwell for scouting me and to all of the staff for the opportunity, Let’s work!
Attn Boys and girls High School Basketball Teams
We'd be thrilled to have your team join us for the Star City Showdown. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more, register, and reserve your team's spot.
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