It's a June morning, and Pima football coach Jim Monaco is in his office recruiting for what may be the final season of Aztecs football. Wednesday, the school is expected to drop the sport.
"It's been very difficult not knowing where the program is heading," said Monaco.
The issue of Pima losing football started back in February, when Maricopa County moved to eliminate football at its four community colleges. The move would also eliminate several of Pima's opponents.
"If they fold, we already have shown we have a viable schedule of ten games," said Monaco.
And then, at a recent board meeting, Chancellor Lee Lambert said Aztec players have suffered 33 confirmed concussions since 2012.
"I don't believe that's a true issue," added Monaco. "I believe its budgetary."
Pima College has 16 sports programs. There is a total budge of $2.6 million dollars, which includes approximately five hundred thousand dollars for football, some of which is used for scholarships.
Monaco cites the cost of not giving kids an opportunity who may otherwise not get one.
"Saving football would save opportunities for hundreds of kids."
