Tarleton State wrestling was supposed to launch with real momentum.
The community raised millions, a 10,000-square-foot, $1.2 million facility was built, and the club program was already producing results with a women’s NCWA national title and a men’s runner-up finish.
Now it appears the rug has been pulled before the NCAA program ever officially started.
After raising significant money, building a $1.2 million wrestling facility, securing recruits, finding a conference home in the Pac-12 and laying the groundwork for Division I wrestling (something the university itself committed to), Tarleton State has reportedly pulled the plug on the entire program before it even truly began.
Not just D1 wrestling… no club program either.
That’s devastating for the athletes, coaches and supporters who invested years into making this happen. Coach Leeth poured enormous time and energy into building something meaningful in Texas, a state that has LONG needed more high-level college wrestling opportunities.
Now athletes are left scrambling for new homes late in the cycle, donors and supporters are left stunned, and one of the most exciting potential growth stories for the sport is suddenly gone.
A D1 wrestling program in Texas was something the wrestling world should’ve been celebrating and rallying around- not watching disappear before it had the chance to fully take off.
Brutal situation all around. 👎🏼
@TarletonState@TarletonWrestle
One hour.
That’s all @calbaptist and @DrMicahParker gave its wrestlers to grab their belongings before locking them out.
No transition. No alternatives. No answers.
Now they’re laying down mats at the park just to keep their dreams alive.
We’re not backing down.
#keepcbuwrestling
Fresno State
UC Davis
CSU Fullerton
California Baptist
Oregon
Boise State
To picture a strong West coast conference with West Coast teams...
I'm dreaming
“DAD, HOW GOOD WAS WIDE RECEIVER HUNTER RENFROW IN HIS PRIME ON THE #RAIDERS…?”
The best route-runner in the last 10 years; an absolute demon.
🤯🤯🤯
https://t.co/7kqBHjIkoF
Since the 1979 interpretation of Title IX, Division I wrestling has gone from 150 programs to just 79. Nearly half gone.
In 47 years, we’ve lost 71 programs.
If we don’t make a stand now, what will the next 47 years look like?
If you were a high seed, got upset, and didn’t AA this past weekend it’s ok! You will most likely just spend the rest of your life BASE jumping off buildings to cope with your identity crisis and distract yourself from the fact you failed at your childhood dream. It’s fine.
Tarleton State, pushing to become the first NCAA DI wrestling program in Texas, has been accepted into a conference.
Head Coach Grant Leeth says they’re just weeks away.