Interim President promises ‘top to bottom’ review of football program
California University’s football team will play Saturday’s game at Mercyhurst, according to interim President Geraldine M. Jones.
The university posted a message from Jones on the school’s website that said the game will be played and a task force will be assembled to review the football program. Jones met with the team yesterday afternoon.
“In consideration of those players, band members, cheerleaders and others involved with the football program who have lived up to the University’s core values and expectations, Cal U.’s intercollegiate football season will resume this week,” Jones said in the statement. “I have told our Vulcan football players that we will strictly adhere to a zero tolerance policy. Any infraction of team conduct rules will result in immediate suspension from the team. I reminded the team that participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege, and every student-athlete must be an ambassador for Cal U. Students – including student-athletes – (or) face penalties if they do not uphold University standards.”
No mention was made about whether the Vulcans would participate in the NCAA Division II playoffs, if the team qualifies.
Steve Murray, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, was informed Monday afternoon the school intends to play Mercyhurst. He said he was not told whether the team would participate in the playoffs.
Messages left with football coach Mike Kellar and athletic director Karen Hjerpe were not immediately returned.
Cal forfeited last Saturday’s home game with Gannon after a group of players allegedly beat a man outside a restaurant in California.
Five players – James Williamson, Corey Ford, Jonathan Barlow, Rodney Gillin and D’Andre Dunkley – were arrested Thursday. They were charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and criminal conspiracy and placed in Washington County jail on $500,000 bond. A sixth player, Shelby Wilkerson, was arrested Saturday on the same charges and placed in Washington County jail but only on $50,000 bond. The six players were suspended from the team.
Witnesses said Lawrence Campbell, 30, intervened in an argument outside the restaurant and was knocked to the ground and stomped on. He suffered severe brain injuries and is in critical condition in the Allegheny General Hospital trauma unit.
The Cal release said the university will “conduct a thorough review of the football program to confirm that its image, recruiting and philosophy live up to the University’s standards.” Hjerpe and acting provost/vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Bruce Barnhart will lead the task force. They will report their findings to Jones.
California is in a three-way tie with Gannon and Slippery Rock for first place in the PSAC West Division. A Nov. 15 home game with Lock Haven remains on the schedule if the Vulcans do not play against the East Division winner in the State Game.
The Division II playoffs begin Nov. 22.