Football at Calvin College

In an age when many colleges are cutting athletic programs, Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan is close to starting a football program.

Here is a taste of a recent article in the Grand Rapids Press:

GRAND RAPIDS -- The debate about whether Calvin College should start a football program has never proceeded beyond the dream stage in three previous studies conducted by school leaders and officials.

The fourth time just might be the charm.

The Calvin Football Task Force has recommended the school pursue a football program following 18 months of exhaustive research by a special group of administrators, faculty, staff, students and alumni.

"The task force has recommended we move forward," said Brian Bolt, who chaired the task force and serves as chair of the kinesiology department. "We presented our findings to the planning and priorities committee last week, so now it goes to the faculty senate for further debate and then the board of trustees.

"I expect we’ll have a decision by the end of the academic year."

It is the first time a feasibility study on football has reached this stage.