It wasn’t a matter of if, but when.

Millikin announced that former Head Coach Carlton Hall has been released as head coach effective immediately.

This is a move that many saw coming, but as for the timing of it, many were unsure.

However, that question was largely answered after Millikin blew a 10 point lead to CCIW rival Carthage last Saturday.

There was simply no possible way that Hall could maintain the position after a loss in this manner, especially considering that it extended Millikin’s losing streak from 16 games to 17, bringing Hall’s overall Millikin record to a meager 4-23.

Is that to say that the football team has not improved at all this year? In short, no. The quality of play has definitely improved.

The team has taken some strides, but moral victories cannot overcome the lack of victories in the record books.

However, there were a few bright spots this year.

Take homecoming, for instance. Millikin nearly upset Augustana, eventually losing 24-20. This defeat was crushing without question. However, Millikin was outscored by 109 points in the last two meetings before this year’s game. To say that no improvements were made would simply be incorrect.

In the end, the number of wins are what matters most to colleges trying to promote a program and convince recruits to compete for their school. Athletes are much less likely to desire to play football after looking at the zero that currently occupies the number of wins Millikin has managed to come by this and last year.

This move showed that the athletics department is willing to try to make a change before the season is over, though. It would’ve been extremely easy and understandable to delay Hall’s departure until the end of the season. However, enough is enough. Millikin wants to try something new, and I don’t blame them whatsoever. A change was needed, and hopefully change will usher in a victory for a team that hasn’t tasted victory in 716 days.