According to the Oneonta (N.Y). Daily Star, Hartwick is revamping All-Weather Field through a renovation project that includes Field Turf, improved spectator seating and press box improvements.

That’s good news for the Hawks who play football, lacrosse and field hockey at the facility. But the timing on this story is more than a little awkward for the college.

Just yesterday Hartwick announced it is cutting seven sports, citing finances and the “lack of on-campus facilities” among the factors. That looks a little odd next to the prepared statement by President Richard P. Miller, Jr. related to All-Weather Field (pictured above, pre-renovation) — “Recent improvements to our outdoor athletic facilities exemplify our commitment to athletics at Hartwick.”

Both stories also cite fund raising efforts. Apparently Hartwick’s Division I men’s soccer and women’s water polo teams were able to raise funds to keep their Division I status. And the teams who play at All-Weather Field contacted alumni of those programs to solicit financial support for the field renovation efforts. But a parent of athletes on the eliminated men’s golf and softball teams implies they did not have a similar chance. “I think the student-athletes should have had the opportunity to save their programs.”

It’s a tough situation. I feel bad for the kids on the seven slashed teams. But I understand the budget problems that Hartwick faces and think they should have the discretion to act accordingly. Plus, without knowing details of the process, there’s no guarantee that the funds raised for All Weather Field could’ve helped teams who don’t play there.

That being said, I would’ve picked a different time and a different quote to announce the football stadium renovation.