NU official criticizes decision to drop Sooner women’s basketball program By Jeff Apel Senior Editor Barb Hibner, Nebraska assistant athletic director in charge of women’s athletics, expressed shock when she learned that Oklahoma dropped its women’s basketball program Wednes day. Hibner said she was surprised by the decision because the Sooners did not give any indication that they were thinking about dropping the program. Oklahoma officials said the program was dropped because it failed to de velop any type of fan following. The Sooners drew an average of 100 fans for each of their home con tests last season. Hibner said atten dance problems do not take any of the sting away from Oklahoma’s deci sion. “We’re shocked,” Hibner said. “It shows that we better come down to reality because no matter what we do, we have to be cautious.” Hibner said she didn’t take Okla homa’s decision lightly. The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association also didn’t take it lightly, as it issued a strong statement which blasted Sooner officials. The association also said it was considering filing for an injunction to temporarily prohibit the program from being dropped. “It seems in my 11 years at Ne braska the Big Eight has had its highs and lows,” Hibner said. “The highs have been the accomplishments of the scholar athletes, and the lows have been the noticeable declines in fe male administrators and decisions like this. “This is my lowest point.” Hibner said Oklahoma’s move may set a dangerous precedent. The move placed the Sooners in an elite class, as they are now the only Big Eight school which does not have a women’s bas ketball team. Oklahoma also is one of l^’rc shocked. It shows that we better come down to reality because no matter what we do, we have to be cautious. Hibner Nebraska assistant athletic director in charge of womens athletics -f f only 15 Division I schools that do not field a women’s basketball team. Hibner said both of those figures could increase. “Unfortunately, I think others might follow,” she said. “It’s loud and clear. It’s obvious that they (high-ranking officials) are scrutinizing. “What it comes down to is the mentality of the program. If you don’t win, you might be dropped.” Hibner said she has trouble under standing the decision because Okla homa officials indicated that they may replace the basketball program with a women s soccer team, sne saia mai move is an ill-advised one because soccer is an expensive sport. The Oklahoma women’s basket ball program had an annual budget of $1.3 million. Sooner officials said that money now would be distributed among the school’s women s track, gymnastics, volleyball, softball, ten nis and golf teams. It also would be distributed among the soccer program if it is added. Hibner said there are belter ways to save money than drop a program. “Buy new uniforms once every three years instead of every year or reduce travel,” she said, “but don’t just drop a program all together. ‘4Don ’ t just throw the baby out the window.” Hibner said Oklahoma athletes will take little consolation in the fact that their scholarships will be honored. Sooner officials announced that they will fulfill scholarship guarantees and the contract of Coach Valerie Good win-Colbert. Hibner said a free education is not worth a premature end to a collegiate career. “They’re student-athletes, and they want to compete,” she said. “I hope they’re being given all the support they need, because right now they have to be devastated.” Hibner said she doesn’t expect Oklahoma’s action to prompt any sport suspensions at Nebraska. 4 41 don ’ t think we have that kind of mentality,” she said. JOSTENS AMERICA » COLLEOR RIN 0" ItelMilMIt (M.R-AJ0 Thunmt*« More than ever, more than a Bookstore. We Accept Major Credit Cards. E^r c«w}«7»