In this situation at VIC, I have an opinion, like everyone else and like everyone has a right to. Although I believe my opinion is valid, it is neither right nor wrong, but only expresses my own opinions on what I know and what I "THINK" I know.
In regards to the VIC runners not getting to go to nationals. I feel for you. I can understand all of the hard work that goes into that process and the expectations you might have had.
HOWEVER, we all live in the real world, and the real world is not always fair. Is it fair that your program got cut? NO. Is it fair that your coach got fired? NO. Sadly, your story is not unique or even one of the worst I have heard of with this type of scenario. I hope that you do get some support for in your efforts to get to Fresno and have personally given some to help you in those efforts. Not because I think it is your right, but because I want to help.
One of the problems that I have with much of what I have been reading as it comes from the VIC crowd, is that going to nationals was their "RIGHT". As if it was constitutional and that something that was rightfully theirs was taken away. Nationals, extracurricular activities are a privilege. Your school gave you something (scholarship, opportunity, etc...) you gave back by working hard, but you would never have qualified in the first place without VIC, they provided the money for you to enter the meets where you posted the times, they provided the transportation, the insurance and medical help, facilities, coach, etc.... It is too bad that they are not able to continue to help you. But you seem to be taking it all personally, when from a business standpoint, it looks professional. The problem exists from the standpoint that many people have a hard time separating personal feelings from professional. I cannot believe that VIC "WANTED" to cut the program and that they "WANTED" to deny people the privilege of representing them at a national meet. But they were forced into it.
People make tough decisions all the time that make people mad, don't seem fair, etc... Even mature adults get upset, promote rallys, etc... but none of these peripherals are based on the facts, but on feelings.
In addition, you have a coach that appears to have been trying very hard to help you all in many ways, and that is commendable. But for him to not have seen this coming is either a lie, he was oblivious to what was happening or he is just plain stupid, and I don't think he is stupid. I have been a part of a similar scenario at another school and these things don't sneak up on you.
I think your coach is a very good coach, but I would question his ethical standards. His repuation follows him in this regards. Great coach - but doesn't always see the difference between right and wrong and the process that goes with it. Just the final outcome (winning). I think that got him in trouble here. He was not paying attention to the processes, the meaning behind "financial trouble", etc... then it bit him in the butt.
Additionally, I question the ethics, standards and practices of any coach that would lobby for himself to be coach of the year, would recruit athletes that are somehow ineligible at other NAIA schools, but magically appear eligible at his own, and cannot see the big picture when viewing what is best for the SPORTS of xc and track (meaning when voting or submitting proposals only does so if they benefit his own program).
Again, great coach. But being a great coach does not mean you are a good person. There are a lot of people out there both alive and dead that have accomplished some amazing things (both good and bad), but that doesn't make them good people.
Again, my opinion. An opinion I Believe will be very unpopular with the VIC crowd, but unpopular does not mean wrong.
Everyone has a "right" to an opinion.
Good luck in getting to Fresno.