Everette Benjamin, left and Steven Medard above. Photos, courtesy Hofstra. Hofstra football players Everette Benjamin and Steve Medard started their days on December 3 just like they normally would.

Things changed quickly, however, when the Amityville graduates each received a text message from a coach about an urgent meeting.

Within minutes of their arrival at the Pride Club Lounge at Hofstra’s Margiotta Hall, all Pride football players learned that Hofstra officially dropped its football program after73 years of existence. ThePride has competed in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision since 1991 and competes in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Benjamin, a junior starting full back, had a reaction not unlike his teammates after he heard the disappointing news.

“Am I dreaming?,” Benjamin asked himself. “This can’t be real. Eventually like most players, I started to cry and it was a very emotional day.”

Medard, a freshman defensive end, felt the same way.

“Thisnews left me speechless. I still can’t believe this is happening.”

Hofstra University president Stuart Rabinowitz cited financial reasons and a lack of interest in football as the major reasons for the news. The university spends $4.5 million annually on the program.

“As we continue to improve our academic programs and reputation, and plan the University's future, we have to consider the investment we make in all of the University's programs," Rabinowitz said in a statement. "The cost of the football program, now and in the future, far exceeds the return possible from an FCS program, which does not generate significant national interest. Given that, along with the low level of interest, financial support and attendance among our students, our alumni and the community, the choice was painful, but clear.”

Players are allowed to keep their scholarships to Hofstra or transfer to another school without any penalties on their eligibility.

Unlike many of his teammates, Benjamin still loves Hofstra, since it was one of the only schools to take a chance on him coming out of high school.

Hoping to play at another college or university, Benjamin, who became a reliable threat out of the backfield the last two seasons, is considering all options right now. The problem he will run into is finding a team willing to let him play out his one year of eligibility.

“Hopefully, I can find a school that I like and feel comfortable transferring to,” he said. “It’s tough to get a team interested when you’re basically only going to spend a year in their program.”

He has spoken with Stony Brook, Citadel and Coastal Carolina.

“Nothing is set in stone,” he said. “They just asked basic questions, so no offers yet.”

Medard still has a considerable amount of his career left. He plans on meeting with several Division I coaches to find a suitable school. Stony Brook and Rhode Island have shown interest and he will be speaking with a coach from Syracuse in the coming weeks.

“I can’t stop thinking about what I’m going to do with my future,” he said.

Even with the consistent success of Hofstra alums in the NFL, the program’s attendance was very poor. Currently, Marques Colston (Saints), Willie Colon (Steelers), Stephen Bowen (Cowboys) and Kyle Arrington (Patriots), all play in the NFL and went to Hofstra. The Pride also produced notable Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet, former San Francisco quarterback Giovanni Carmazzi and John Schmitt, who won a Super Bowl with the Jets and was Joe Namath’s center.

Football aside, Hofstra’s players are losing more than a game.

“The extended family we created while playing here is being split up,” Benjamin said. “We will probably never see a lot of these guys ever again after this semester.”

Medard agreed.

“The best thing about wearing a Pride uniform is the brotherhood I gained with my team. I have built a great bond with many of them that I will deeply miss.”

Benjamin played four years at Hofstra and led the team in rushing in 2008 with 630 yards and five touchdowns. This season he rushed for 246 yards and three scores and caught passes totaling 251 yards and a touchdown.

At Amityville, Benjamin played four years of football and three years of basketball. He was a twotime All-County pick on the gridiron and played in the 2006 Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge All-Star game.

Medard is also a former two-time All-County selection for the Warriors and played four years of football and basketball.