Takedown Report

College Programs and Team News – # 1

TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following articles are focused on college teams as programs. Thus we have a letter from Stanford about their impending cut of wrestling and consequences of Old Domion’s decision. Fresno State is planning to drop their program again, after restarting it. These are all Division I programs. Yet there are also several Division III, NAIA and Junior College schools that can afford and are adding a new team.
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1 } – A STATEMENT FROM STANFORD WRESTLING
STANFORD, Calif. – On July 8th, our student-athletes and coaches were blindsided when Stanford announced its intention to eliminate wrestling and ten other varsity athletics programs at the conclusion of this season due to fiscal concerns. Though shocked, our team immediately decided that it would band together and do what wrestlers do best—work to persevere through adversity. We began developing and executing a plan to reverse the university’s decision and establish an endowment that would not only ensure wrestling’s place at Stanford, but help preserve collegiate wrestling’s presence on the West Coast and nationally.
The resilience and determination our team has demonstrated has been inspiring. We have raised over $12 million and counting since September when our fundraising efforts began in earnest. We have established working relationships with many allies within the university and across the country. We have the support of 36 Sports Strong and other prominent Stanford alumni. These successes now have us more optimistic for the program’s continued future at the varsity level than ever. … rest of story at ^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/08/A-statement-from-Stanford-Wrestling?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

2 } – Emory & Henry College to Join South Atlantic Conference; Will Begin Competition in 2022-23
ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – The South Atlantic Conference Presidents Council announced today that Emory & Henry College has been invited to join the SAC pending acceptance into the NCAA Division II process, following a unanimous vote by the council to approve its application for membership.  Emory & Henry will begin competition in all conference sports in the 2022-23 academic year.
The addition of Emory & Henry will increase the number of SAC members to 14 institutions. Emory & Henry will begin making the transition from NCAA Division III to Division II in 2021, and its membership into the SAC is pending approval of its NCAA Division II application. Emory & Henry, located in Emory, Va., is a four-year private liberal arts college offering more than 80 undergraduate academic majors and concentrations. Established in 1836, Emory & Henry offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, and seven graduate degrees. It is the oldest college in Southwest Virginia and its central campus is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and the Virginia Historic Landmarks Register. … rest of story at ^{https://thesac.com/general/2020-21/releases/20201117dbl284?mc_cid=97ab69a0c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

3 } – PHCC wrestling coach Justin Smith grapples with starting new program in 2020
(Editor’s Note: Patrick Henry Community College has four new sports coaches this year, all of whom will take over when sports return in January. This is the first in a series of stories talking with the coaches about their new roles and the difficulties of taking over a college sports program during the COVID-19 pandemic.)
Justin Smith will head to Tennessee this weekend for a national wrestling tournament. The new Patrick Henry Community College wrestling coach has had several potential recruits in Virginia reach out asking him to go watch them compete. Since Smith was announced in May as the coach of a newly formed wrestling team at PHCC, he’s been getting friend requests on Facebook and about two or emails a day from wrestlers across the state who want to know more about the program. … rest of story at ^{https://martinsvillebulletin.com/sports/college/phcc-wrestling-coach-justin-smith-grapples-with-starting-new-program-in-2020/article_07cc825a-29ed-11eb-9df2-f782d7b63130.html?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

4 } – Alex Cramer was ‘shocked’ when Old Dominion cut its wrestling program. The Grayslake Central graduate has landed with both feet firmly on the mat.
Former Grayslake Central standout Alex Cramer ran into an unbeatable opponent in April. After a solid freshman season at Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia, Cramer learned the university was cutting its wrestling program as part of budgets cuts stemming from the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Cramer had posted a 19-20 record at 174 pounds for Old Dominion, whose program dated back to 1957-58. “I was definitely shocked,” Cramer said. “I had made a lot of friends out there, made a lot of connections and relationships with the coaches and people. It was difficult to leave.” Cramer, like his teammates, was forced to seek a different school … rest of story at ^{https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/sports/ct-lns-spt-college-wrestling-central-michigan-alex-cramer-st-111920-20201118-wf7sza5h2vggpi5mpijaykgqhy-story.html?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

5 } – SU coaches encouraged by, cautious with plan to return to play
Shenandoah University wrestling coach Tim McGuire said his team was just starting to hit the point where practices and workouts, which were taking place with no concrete season yet in sight, were beginning to produce a wearing-down effect. That changed Tuesday when the university announced its plan to return to sports competition at the start of the spring semester in late January. That news was a boost for McGuire and the wrestling team — which is eagerly awaiting the day it can make its debut as Shenandoah’s newest sport — as well as members of the 21 other sports teams who have been barred from competition since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. … rest of story at ^{https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/su-coaches-encouraged-by-cautious-with-plan-to-return-to-play/article_625dca22-275a-5f93-88e4-ac12773d8dcd.html?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

6 } – Freshman 15: 15 Questions with Men’s Wrestling Freshman Alex Savering
HIRAM, Ohio – November 11, 2020 – Over the next few months, the Hiram College Department of Athletics is excited to introduce our newest Terriers, freshmen and first-year student-athletes. Today, we introduce you to men’s wrestling freshman Alex Savering, from Brimfield, Ohio.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself (major, year, sport, hometown, high school, etc.) and your background?
My name is Alex Savering. I’m from Brimfield, Ohio and graduated from Field High School. I am a freshman and will be majoring in Integrated Language Arts. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Hiram College’s first wrestling team in 33 years. I love wrestling, working out, music, and spending time with friends and family.
2. Why Hiram?
I chose Hiram because it felt like I belonged here. I love the atmosphere of being on campus. I also love that Hiram strives for diversity and a close-knit community.

3. What was the recruiting process like for you?

It was pretty straightforward. Once I got to meet Coach Vogel, I knew that he was the coach for me.

4. What are you most looking forward to about playing your sport at the collegiate level?

I am most looking forward to being able to compete and represent Hiram College on the mat! I have an incredible coaching staff that will refine my skills and help me achieve my goals and aspirations as a college wrestler. … rest of story at ^{https://hiram.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20201111g85fu3?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

7 } – Q&A: President Castro talks about his time as president and the future ahead
Nearing the end of the fall semester, the Collegian spoke with Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro about his tenure at Fresno State and his plans heading into next year. Castro will become one of the most important figures in California higher education on Jan. 4 when he officially becomes chancellor of the California State University system. Serving as the president of Fresno State since 2013, he was the first from California and the first from the Central Valley, having grown up in Hanford.
This interview has been condensed for clarity. 
Looking back and looking ahead
The Collegian: What would you highlight as achievements or things you were really proud of during your tenure?
Joseph Castro: I’m proud of many things…I’m most proud of the changes I’ve seen in terms of our culture around student success…Our mission was changed at the beginning of my presidency to read to boldly educate and empower students for success. That was very important, and I feel like our campus is really living that every day…That’s why our graduation rates have risen, that’s why our enrollment has risen, that’s why we’re getting a lot of national attention…Ultimately, the most important contribution that we’ve made together during my time here.
The Collegian: As for your successor, … rest of story at ^{https://collegian.csufresno.edu/2020/12/qa-president-castro-talks-about-his-time-as-president-and-the-future-ahead/?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

8 } – Keep Fresno State Wrestling announces pledge and fundraising drive, kicking off with live stream Monday, December 21
On October 16, California State University, Fresno announced it was dropping men’s tennis, women’s lacrosse, and for the second time in school history, men’s wrestling. After a decade-long quest to bring the sport back to campus in 2016, a new quest has been started by Keep Fresno State Wrestling.
In conjunction with USA Wrestling, the National Wrestling Coaches Association and Flowrestling, the Keep Fresno State Wrestling group will kickoff its official efforts on Monday, December 21 at 6 p.m. Pacific with a panel of wrestling coaches, athletes, and alumni. That discussion will be streamed live on Flowrestling.org and also available via Zoom.  The panel will highlight and celebrate the strong history of Fresno State wrestling, not just with its on the mat successes, but the post-collegiate success and leadership of its alumni in the Central Valley and the state of California. Among those participating with local Fresno ties are former head coach Dennis DeLiddo, … rest of story at ^{http://www.nwcaonline.com/keep-fresno-state-wrestling-announces-pledge-and-fundraising-drive-kicking-off-with-live-stream-monday-december-21/?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

9} – Avila Announces Addition of Wrestling and Bowling Programs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Avila University Department of Athletics unveiled today, Saturday, December 19, 2020, its plans to add men’s and women’s wrestling and men’s and women’s bowling as the newest Avila varsity programs, raising the school’s total to 16 varsity sports. All four teams will begin competition in the 2021-22 school year. “I’m really excited to announce the start of the Avila men’s and women’s wrestling program and the Avila men’s and women’s bowling program,” Director of Athletics Shawn Summe said. “This is a great opportunity for Avila to expand the current opportunities in the athletic department for future Avila University student-athletes.” Wrestling is a highly popular sport, especially in the heart of the country, and the creation of two Avila teams means Kansas City-area youth wrestlers will have a local collegiate option to consider. Currently, five other full-fledged members of the KCAC sponsor men’s wrestling, … rest of story at ^{https://www.avilaathletics.com/article/2472?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

10 } – Harper cancels winter 2021 sports season
Harper College has canceled 2021 winter sports competition to help protect the health and safety of our student athletes. This decision impacts men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s volleyball and men’s wrestling and is consistent with the North Central Community College Conference’s (N4C) recent announcement it planned to cancel the 2021 winter sports schedules. Hawks athletics will continue to align with the college’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As all classes will be taught remotely for the first eight weeks of the spring 2021 semester, teams will not be permitted to practice or compete during this period. … rest of story at ^{https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/news/archives/2020/posts/122120.php?mc_cid=e96ed12e50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

11 } – ‘Decisions had to be made’: Shippensburg University’s opt-in to swimming, cross country about risk, but a tough pill to swallow for other athletes
Some of Shippensburg University’s winter sports athletes will get a season after all. Some of them, however, will not. In a Nov. 18 press release, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced the cancellation of its mandated regular season and championship competition for winter sports for the 2020-21 season. However, the release stated that the announcement did not prohibit institutions from exploring competition outside of the previously mandated schedule and that if six or more schools were to opt in for a specific sport, the PSAC would reinstate a championship season. The PSAC also plans to move forward with championship seasons for all spring sports. … rest of story at ^{https://cumberlink.com/sports/local/college_local/decisions-had-to-be-made-shippensburg-universitys-opt-in-to-swimming-cross-country-about-risk/article_52a09269-a03e-5ca1-9a96-13b2d28da88f.html?mc_cid=e96ed12e50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

12 } – GNAC CANCELS WINTER SPORTS
The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has canceled winter sports for 2020-2021, but individual members can make decisions about winter participation. The conference does not sponsor wrestling, though Norwich and Johnson & Wales are member schools with wrestling programs. Norwich has stated that, “At this time, all seven Norwich winter sports teams have the opportunity to pursue non-conference athletic intercollegiate competition beginning Jan. 1 if NCAA and State of Vermont health guidelines and regulations permit it.” Johnson & Wales has not made a statement regarding wrestling or other sports. … rest of story at ^{https://www.d3wrestle.com/gnac-cancels-winter-sports/?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

January 5, 2021 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized