Wrestlers spar with board on allocation

Confusion and discontent about student activity funding at last night’s meeting prompted the… Confusion and discontent about student activity funding at last night’s meeting prompted the Student Government Board to encourage student groups to attend allocation committee trainings and review budget policies.

Panther Wrestling Club president Jacob Brown raised the issue when he asked the board to approve about $300 for expenses the group paid during its spring break conference to rent a larger vehicle than the allocations committee granted them.

The club needed the rental for its wrestling tournament in Florida, where they finished 30th out of 198 national teams – the highest ranking for any club team competing for its first year.

Brown said the small vehicle left the members of the club cramped and could be a safety hazard. He showed photos of the rear window of the car, in which the group’s belongings were piled up to block the driver’s view.

Board member Perry Servedio said that the board did not approve a larger vehicle because they approved three members of the team to go on the trip, therefore only requiring a four-person vehicle.

However, the club requested two coaches to attend the conference as well. Servedio said that board policy states no funding may be allocated to coaches for teams because they are not participating members of the team – even if they are students.

Board member Lacee Ecker explained that the board could not consider the $300 because of a rule against funding activities that have already occurred.

“It would be ludicrous,” Servedio said of the idea.

Board member Ryan Very said that student groups should review the online manual after Brown and a representative from the Cadet Club, which was denied spending for an event because it was a social activity, raised their concerns.

“We all understand it’s confusing to find out what events can and cannot be funded and why,” Very said.

SGB Notes