Written by Chip Patterson at CBS Sports.com
After two forfeited games because of a shortage of players and an 0-3 start in games they played, Occidental College announced Wednesday that it has canceled the remainder of its football season.
Occidental College is a Division-III program that competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The decision, according to the school, was made with the future of the football program in mind as it allows the teams coaches and staff to turn their “full attention” to rebuilding the roster for next season.
@OxyAthletics cancels last 4 football games of season due to diminished roster, will rebuild for 2018 https://t.co/jTOIsSgOLR
— Occidental Athletics (@OxyAthletics) October 18, 2017
“A decision of this magnitude was not made lightly,” Occidental College president Jonathan Veitch said in a statement. “No one wanted or expected the season to end this way. Making this decision now provides needed clarity to players, their parents, coaches, and other SCIAC members. After canceling two of our first five games because of a depleted roster, including last weekend’s Homecoming game, the need to address the viability of the season became unavoidable.”
The Tigers were outscored 170-19 in the games it did play this season. According to FootballScoop and D3Football, the team was down to “around 35 players, including one healthy defensive lineman.”
“This decision falls hardest on our players and coaching staff, whose competitive spirit has never waned. I want to commend first-year Oxy head coach Rob Cushman for his character and grit, having been thrust into the most challenging of circumstances this season,” Veitch added. “His players have demonstrated the same resilient, never-say-die attitude. I ask that we all lend our support and appreciation to these members of the Oxy community. We also regret the inconvenience this has caused to our fellow SCIAC members who have been most supportive.”
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