Ball State rolling after talk of possible elimination

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	Match facts What: NCAA men's volleyball Who: Hawai'i (4-2) vs. Ball State (6-0) When/where: 7:05 p.m. tomorrow in the Stan Sheriff Center Tickets: $13 (lower bowl), $10 (upper bowl), $8 (senior citizens/upper), $3 (UH students, ages 4-18, Super Rooter) Parking: $3 Television: K5 (Channel 5) Radio: KKEA (1420 AM)

"I did have gall bladder (problems)," he said, noting he has fully recovered.

His volleyball team, which plays Hawai'i tomorrow and Thursday, also is in good condition after nearly being a victim of budget cuts last year.

Last May, a Ball State advisory committee recommended cutting six sports, for a savings of $1.2 million annually, by the 2004-2005 academic year. Men's volleyball was on the hit list.

"They didn't even look at the program's history or level of success," Walton said. "They moved that list throughout the Ball State campus."

Ball State was one of the charter programs in NCAA Division I men's volleyball. In 2002, the Cardinals advanced to the NCAA final four.

"To even think about eliminating a program of our stature and success was unacceptable to a lot of people," Walton said.

Volleyball fans from across the country, including many from Hawai'i, reacted by "signing" an on-line petition to retain the program, Walton said.

Last summer, an athletic department committee voted to keep alive the program at least through the 2004 season.

Then Walton, in conjunction with area sponsors in Muncie, Ind., crafted a plan that would ease the athletic department's contribution to the sport. The plan was approved, and it appears the program has a safe future for several more years.

Walton declined to give specific figures, but it is believed the Cardinals' annual budget is about $200,000, with half the amount earmarked for scholarships. Through last season, the Cardinals were expected to raise $40,000 from outside sources to cover expenses.

Under the approved plan, the Cardinals will raise $60,000 from outside sources this year, $70,000 next year and $80,000 for the 2006 season.

The Cardinals, who do not have their own volleyball booster club, have raised money through volleyball camps, sponsorship deals with Asics and Active Ankle, and contributions from two Muncie restaurants.

This year, for the first time, the Cardinals began charging admission to their home matches. While students and youths are admitted for free, adult fans are charged $5 per match. They also may purchase a book of 10 tickets — to be used for one match or throughout the season — for a discounted price.

"We're doing OK," Walton said.

The program's health is extended onto the court. The Cardinals are 6-0.

"I would like to thank the Hawai'i boosters and fans for their support," Walton said. "Not only did they help in the process of saving our program, they came through during a difficult time, when a lot of things were piling on."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.