Intercollegiate Wrestling program at Fresno State University that was scrapped seven years back due to financial issues might make a comeback.
Joseph Castro, the university president said that a team will be established early next year to assess all the school's sports programs including the eliminated wrestling and soccer programs.
"I think there is a compelling case that's being made for wrestling," Castro told Fresno Bee, "and I want to make sure that information is all part of the review and the discussions."
Castro said that the wrestling program will not be restored at the expense of another athletic program.
Keeping the wrestling program going at Fresno requires half-million dollars every year. Apart from the support and encouragement from the community and donors, the wrestling program also requires cash flow to make it a reality on campus.
"Doing so will require a significant investment of private funding by those in the community who want to see this become a reality," Castro told Examiner.
Dennis DeLiddo, former Fresno State wrestling coach for 24 years told Examiner that the whole community would be delighted if the wrestling program is reinstated. DeLiddo said that he's been talking to Castro about the wrestling program ever since he took office.
"Just like I told him last night, it's a breath of fresh air talking to him, its so wonderful talking to the guy, he's receptive very receptive, I didn't expect this announcement this morning" DeLiddo told abc.
Steve Tirapelle, the Clovis High wrestling coach said that Castro would be considered a hero among the wrestling community if the sport reappears on the roster.
"There's no doubt in my mind the community will back the plan, Tirapelle told Fresno Bee. "The financial support will come if he's serious about supporting the program," Tirapelle told Fresno Bee. "I think there would have to be a commitment on the part of the administration that, 'We're in, we're in the game, we're bringing this back and we know it could be a successful program.' "
