The future of NIU’s field hockey program was officially put on the line yesterday.

NIU Athletic Director Gerald O’Dell presented his recommendation to cut the program to the Executive Committee of NIU’s Athletic Board.

“The recommendation is that the field hockey program be cut,” Athletic Board Chairman Ray Dembinski said, “and that its replacement be women’s soccer.”

Dembinski said this meeting was only used to set up the agenda for next Wednesday’s monthly Athletic Board meeting at 1 p.m. at the Holmes Student Center.

“They presented the background information they had on this issue and asked if it could be considered on next week’s agenda,” Dembinski said.

Dembinski said the recommendation will be presented to the entire Athletic Board at the April 15 meeting.

Dembinski added that additional background information will be presented at that time, relating to the recommendation.

“The board members will be able to ask questions, clarify issues and raise any concerns after the recommendation is presented,” Dembinski said.

Although the meeting is open to anyone interested, Dembinski said only board members will be allowed to ask questions and voice concerns.

However, Dembinski said the issue will not be decided until at least May 6, the next scheduled board meeting.

“By and large, it won’t be debated (among the members) until May 6 and no vote could be taken before then,” Dembinski said.