While a lot of programs were slashing budgets during the COVID pandemic back in 2020, a school in Texas decided to add a new small college football program to The Lone Star state.
A state with more than enough talent to be a home base for a small college program, North American University became just one of just four NAIA schools in Texas with a football program.
While the program, in a state with more than enough football talent to go around, started with much promise, the school announced yesterday that they've made the decision to shut down the football program after just four seasons.
The decision was made by athletic director Kenneth Apande - who also ironically serves as head football coach - and the school's Board of Trustees to invest in their other sports instead of moving forward with football.
"This was a difficult decision, backed by the Board of Trustees, that aims to direct investment to the things that make North American University exceptional," head coach and athletic director Kenneth Apande shared in the school's release.
"Our goal is to still compete in the eight NAIA and USCAA sports that will remain an integral part of the NAU experience."
The program ended the year on a two-game win streak with convincing multi-score wins over Arkansas Baptist and Southwest.
However, the first part of the year included nine straight losses to open the season, including being outscored 288-13. During weeks three and four, against small college power Texas Wesleyan and Hardin-Simmons, NAU lost by scores of 80-0 and 90-7.
With North American University shutting football down, Nelson University, Texas Wesleyan and Texas College are the lone remaining NAIA programs in the state.
Here's a look a the full staff that is being impacted by the decision. It's also worth noting the school's release made no mention of a plan in place to help players find a new landing spot.
EJ Valentine (DC)
Jeremy Richardson (OC)
David Montano (O Assistant / Running Coordinator)
Brad Goodrich (STC / Lineman Coach)
Justin McGlockton (Receivers / TEs)
Stephen Butler (D Assistant)
Jalin Singleton (RBs)
Denzil Ware (LBs / STC)
Fabien Morgan (O Assistant / STC / RBs)
Audreece Dickson (DBs / Grad Assistant)
Jacob Garcia (Defensive Grad Assistant)
Deroddrick Green-Hadnot (RBs / Grad Assistant)
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.