Nick Helten
Published: February 18, 2009

DUBUQUE - Due to the recent economic downturn the Loras athletic department finds finances are anything but well.

Stores are closing, jobs are being cut and it seems no one can escape the current economic downtown. The list even includes the Loras Athletic Department.

Junior tennis player Alesha Espey is one feeling the pinch.

“This year our meet got canceled due to budget cuts so we just kind of aren’t able to travel this spring to play,” said Espey.
The loss of these extra activities is a new philosophy to keep Loras sports within its means.

“Right now we’re just trying to delegate between what are the wants and what are the needs and just deal with the needs,” said interim athletic director, Brad Soderberg.

While a few perks enjoyed in the past will not be seen this year, athletics director Brad Soderberg assures no drastic changes are coming in the near future.

“There are no plans right now to drop any sports or to lay off any people,” said Soderberg.

Next year Loras is raising its tuition by only 3.5%, but it is yet to be seen if this will have any effect on the athletic department’s budget.

Despite the worries and lack of competition, Alesha Espey is hopeful for next fall.

“It’s unfortunate but it’s not going to make or break us this spring. We’re still going to practice and go on with our season,” said Espey.

LCTV13 attempted to contact the Loras financial official for further details on the athletic department’s budget but did not receive a response. Details will be posted to our website as they become available.

Nick Helten can be reached at Nick.Helten@lctv13.com.