Sports Changes Could Save Easton Track, Lacrosse

A good chunk of the audience at Tuesday night's Easton Area School Board meeting was made up of members of the district's track and lacrosse teams. 

They were there on behalf of their programs, which were in danger of being cut in this .

In turns out that they may not need to worry; a proposal presented to the board Tuesday by district Athletic Director James Pokrivsak outlines ways the district sports programs can save or earn money without having to lose any teams.

For example, the district could raise the price it charges for walk-up -- as opposed to season -- tickets at sporting events, from $5 to $6. 

It could also look at advertising at Cottingham Stadium, and at charging students $20 a year for sports physicals. Pokrivsak said roughly 1,800 students get these physicals each year.

"We're going to have to say no to some items," he told the board. 

For example, the district already requires baseball players to buy their own bats, gloves and cleats. Pokvirsak said they could extend that policy to other sports. 

Another potential cost cutting measure: reducing the number of staff working at games. That could mean custodians, security, and ticket takers. Pokrivsak also suggested the district teams take fewer volunteers with them to away games. 

The board seemed receptive to the plan, although board member Kerri Leonard-Ellison noted that it seemed a bit late to be discussing the issue.

"This is what we should have been talking about...before we talk about cutting lacrosse and track," she said.