(Cedar City, UT) - Baseball coaches David Eldredge and Chase Hudson were released from coaching responsibilities by SUU officials with the support of the Board of Trustees Monday and removed from the program immediately.

The decision was based on financial issues along with others that remained confidential according to a credible source.

Assistant coach Clayton Carson will take over with the help of SUU athletics administrator Kit Janes for the remainder of the year.

“(Athletic Director Ken Beazer) brought me into his office this morning to ask me to stay on knowing the other coaches weren’t going to be with us,” Carson said. “I felt like I owed it to our players to have some sort of stability around here.”

Sophomore outfielder Tariq Staton said it’s sad to see members of the close-knit group get dismissed.

“As a player you develop relationships with your coaches on and off the field, so it’s tough to see that happen to our coaches,” he said.

Senior infielder Bo Cuthbertson said he doesn’t agree with the decision.

“I don’t think it was right,” he said. “I don’t think it was fair that he got released, but I don’t think us players know all of the facts either.”

Cuthbertson said he is determined to play for Eldredge for the rest of the season.

“We have to play for him now and honor him through what we can do on the field,” Cuth said. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s something we’ve got to move on from.”

With about six weeks left in SUU's last baseball season, Cuthbertson said the team is driven to turn things around based on the recent events.

“I think guys want to work harder because we know this is the last season that we have,” he said. “I think there’s a new confidence and work ethic that should come with it.”

The program was set to be cut earlier in the semester due to requirements to enter the Big Sky Conference next year.