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More Than a Sport: The Battle to Save CSU Wrestling

In the heart of Northeast Ohio, where the echoes of wrestling legends still resonate through the community, Cleveland State University stands at a crossroads of history and potential. Early this year, the wrestling program, a beacon of discipline, resilience, and community pride, was abruptly defunded, despite a student-led initiative to keep it alive through a modest fee increase, which CSU has continued to collect since 2015. This decision, a stark reversal has left a void where champions once stood.

Wrestling is not merely a sport. It is a crucible for character, forging mental toughness, leadership, and an indomitable spirit that transcends the mat. At CSU, wrestling has been more than an athletic endeavor, It has served as a legacy and connection to a region where the sport is woven into the very fabric of community life.

CSU’s administration is now attempting to eradicate this storied athletic tradition, all the while concealing its rationale. The school’s leadership hasn’t even deigned to explain its perplexing actions to the student-athletes harmed by this inexplicable decision or their parents—that is, the hardworking people who pay the tuition that keeps the school’s lights on.

The offenses don’t stop there. By eliminating its wrestling team, CSU is cutting a championship program that has generated north of half a million dollars in donations for the school since 2018—more than any other CSU athletic team. Additionally, gutting the wrestling program will encourage 30 high-achieving students–all born and raised in Ohio to transfer to other universities, taking their nearly $390,000 in annual tuition payments with them. 

This expropriation will cost CSU an all-star lineup of talented athletes and brilliant students while significantly draining the school’s financial resources. It’s absurd on every level. 

Now, we stand before an opportunity not just to restore what was lost, but to elevate CSU to new heights. Imagine the pride of our university, the roar of the crowd, the banners of victory flying high, all brought back by the sweat and determination of our wrestlers. Schools like Penn State and Ohio State have transformed their campuses through wrestling, enhancing not only athletic prestige but also academic excellence and community engagement. Why shouldn't CSU follow suit?

This is our moment to rally — the return on investment is as clear as the passion in our hearts. Wrestling at CSU could mean more than just matches won; it could mean a surge in school spirit, increased alumni engagement, and vital connections with local high schools and businesses. It's about more than just revenue from tickets – wrestling has the 2nd highest ticket revenue of all sports at CSU – and merchandise; it's about investing in a future where our university stands as a pillar of strength and success.

Let us not stand by while this opportunity slips away. We call on you, the heart of CSU, to raise your voices. Reach out to university leadership, engage with state officials, and communicate with your federal representatives. Your advocacy can turn the tide. Let's ensure that the next generation of student-athletes can step onto the mat, not just to compete, but to represent and elevate Cleveland State University on a national stage.

Join us in this noble cause. Let's bring wrestling back to prominence at CSU, where every match fought is a step toward a brighter, prouder future. Together, we can make this vision a reality. Act now, for the love of the sport, for the spirit of our university, and for the legacy we wish to leave behind.

Stand up for our athletes, our university, and our community by contacting CSU leadership, local elected officials, and our federal representatives to demand the reinstatement of this vital program. Make your voice heard today!