On Friday the Grays Harbor College baseball and softball players held a protest on campus, decrying the lack of support from the college about proper uniforms.

“We requested funding from our Student Government to help us purchase new uniforms,” the athletes stated in a Facebook post. “Our request was denied and we have been left with attempting to fund them ourselves.”

The students said the baseball team has been out of the NWAC compliance for uniforms, and has mismatched, improperly sized uniforms. This tampers with their online statistics and ruins potential chances of four-year recruitment because they’re taking on stats from a teammate who wears the same number, due to lack of uniforms, they stated, adding they have paid for all of their team assigned gear out of pocket, which has cost them over $30,000 alone.

“Our softball team has not been supplied with new uniforms in over five years,” they stated. “Both uniform sets do not fit anyone properly, leaving us extremely exposed and uncomfortable when it’s time to play. Our white pinstripe uniforms are extremely stained and see-through. Our black pants are so tight, they turn white from over-stretching and are torn at the knees and hamstrings on nearly all pairs. Look your best, play your best right?”

The students were asking for the community, the school administration to help solve this issue, and the college responded.

Grays Harbor College President Dr. Carli Schiffner spoke regarding the student protest.

“We are aware of student concerns about funding for student activities including athletic uniforms,” she wrote. “This morning (Friday) those concerns resulted in students exercising their right to free speech via a protest outside the college entrance. The college administration takes these concerns very seriously. Supporting our students, including student athletes, is a high priority for GHC. College is a place where students can learn about civic engagement and their role in it. I’ve talked to those involved and we are working towards a resolution.”

Two days later the solution came forward.

In a huge show of support, the Grays Harbor College Foundation’s Board of Directors authorized the use of funds to purchase uniforms and equipment for Grays Harbor College’s baseball and softball teams, ensuring student athletes are equipped to participate in their upcoming seasons.

The statement included the Student Government was scheduled to hold a special meeting on Monday to review a revised request from athletics and take into account the support being offered by the Grays Harbor College Foundation.

Once the Student Government has had the opportunity to respond to the request, the Grays Harbor College Foundation will fund any remaining amount. This will allow Grays Harbor College’s Student Government to continue with due process of considering the request in relation to their budget constraints, for student athletes to have the necessary uniforms for NWAC regulations, and for student athletes to use their independently fundraised dollars for other needs of their athletic programs.

“I deeply appreciate our strong partnership with the Grays Harbor College Foundation, and their swift action in addressing this urgent need,” said President Schiffner. “Moving forward, college administration is working on a plan in partnership with athletics, Student Life and Student Government to ensure future student athletes have access to the resources they need to participate in sports, succeed as students, and represent Grays Harbor College with pride.”