Last Arizona Community College Football Program Shuts Down

By Mariana Dale
Published: Tuesday, December 11, 2018 - 6:10pm
Updated: Tuesday, December 11, 2018 - 7:07pm
Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College's main campus is in Thatcher.
Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College quarterback Ishois Times plays in a September 9, 2018 game against Pima Community College.

The last remaining community college football program in Arizona is shutting down— 2018 is Eastern Arizona College’s last season.

“It was quite a difficult decision for our executive leadership to make because of the drastic changes that took place in the Western States Football League,” said spokesman Kris McBride. “It became obvious that a schedule really wasn’t feasible for us.”

McBride said the college has had football since 1920. The team has won 105 games since 2005 and won the 2018 league championship.

“I am extremely proud of our football heritage — the team, coaches and staff,” said college President Todd Haynie in a press release.

The Western States Football League, once home to eight teams including those from Arizona Western College and the Maricopa County Community College District, is over.

The last remaining school, Snow College named a new head coach this week and promises it will continue reported Utah TV station KSL.

The cost of traveling farther to play other teams was a large factor.

The college will honor existing football scholarships.

“We’re taking a look at our enrollment initiatives and taking a look at how we’re going to replace the people that football brought in,” McBride said.   

Education