GOSHEN, Ind. -- After careful deliberation, the decision has been made
to not field a Goshen College softball team for the 2008 spring season,
which had been scheduled to begin March 13. Interim Athletic Director
Doug Yoder said the decision was made because of a shortage of
student-athletes. As of Feb. 13, the team had eight student-athletes,
including one injured player; a minimum of nine players are required to
start softball games.

"We are disappointed to have had to make this decision, but Goshen
College remains committed to the education, spiritual development and
well being of all student-athletes," said Bill Born, vice president for
student life. "For that reason, all current softball team players,
including one who was planning to 'redshirt' this season, will retain
their athletic scholarships this year." The players and their parents
were informed of the decision on Feb. 15 and they will be part of the
conversation in planning for and strengthening future seasons for the
program.

"We thank Coach Linda Bontrager for her efforts the past two years to
the softball program and the Athletic Department," Yoder said. Bontrager
is no longer in her position, and the college has begun the recruitment
for a new softball coach. Yoder will take over day-to-day operations of
the program, including recruiting and contact with student-athletes and
their parents until a search is complete for a new head coach.

"Goshen College is committed to all 14 of our athletic teams," Yoder
said. "After contact with the NAIA National Office and Mike Fratzke,
current president of the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference, we are
confident that our program will not be affected long-term and can move
forward with the 2009 season. This decision is consistent with our
commitment to a top-quality athletics program."

As stated in the Philosophy of Athletics at Goshen College, which was
approved by the college's board of directors in 1996, "Our
intercollegiate athletics program is an important facet of the total
educational program at Goshen College. A quality athletic program
provides opportunities for the physical, intellectual, emotional and
spiritual development of its participants, players and coaches. Quality
includes a chance to succeed athletically. It also means fidelity to our
college mission, fairness in opportunity for women and men, support for
the academic aspirations of athletes, good sportsmanship and attractive
facilities. Athletes have the opportunity to learn the important life
skills of wise time management, leadership and teamwork. Such life
skills contribute positively to student performance on the playing
field, in the classrooms and in residence life. Athletic teams have
numerous opportunities to model a Christian lifestyle."

"Goshen College has made this difficult decision because of its
commitment to this Philosophy of Athletics. We also are committed to
making sure Goshen College's 2009 softball team members receive the
support they need to thrive as student-athletes," Yoder said.

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an
interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College Sports Information
Director Josh Gleason at (574) 535-7497 or joshag@goshen.edu.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal
arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college's
Christ-centered core values -- passionate learning, global citizenship,
compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership -- prepare students as
leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique
Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in
Barron's Best Buys in Education, "Colleges of Distinction," "Making a
Difference College Guide" and U.S.News & World Report's "America's Best
Colleges" edition, which named Goshen a "least debt college." Visit
www.goshen.edu.

Goshen College competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate
Athletics and the Mid-Central Conference. For the latest scores, game
recaps and recruiting news, visit the official site of Goshen College
Athletics at: www.GoLeafs.net.