Long Island University Post (LIU Post) has decided to reinstate its wrestling program, beginning 2014-15 season, after it was eliminated nearly 37 years ago (1987-88 season). LIU Post has recruited high school wrestling Coach, Joe Patrovich, to lead the new program.
Both indoor and outdoor track and field events for men and women were cancelled since the 2006-07 season. However, these events have been revived for the 2014-15 season as well.
Plus, the school officials are also planning to introduce women's golf and fencing, bringing the total of NCAA Division II sports to 22.
"We are thrilled to bring back two programs (track and field and wrestling) that have a great history in the growth of the LIU Post Department of Athletics," Bryan Collins, director of athletics and recreation, said in a statement. "These two programs achieved tremendous recognition and successes not solely on the regional level, but nationally as well."
Collins said that president, Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, supported the expansion of sports roster at LIU Post.
"We have a great new president and she understands what athletics means to a university," Collins said in a statement. "Dr. Cline wants more opportunities for women and wants to bring back some of our more traditionally strong sports like track and wrestling. The response has been unbelievable."
"The addition of these programs will energize our relationship with Long Island and the Metropolitan area, as well as nationally," Collins said. "It will offer high school student-athletes the opportunity to attend a vibrant and exceptional university, and to compete at the highest level of NCAA Division II competition with national championship goals."
Currently, Patrovich heads the wrestling program at Islip High School and previously led the football program at Hauppauge High. Among his various credentials, he was named the Nassau County and Suffolk County Coach of the Year, and inducted to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.
"I'm working 16 hours a day with high school football and wrestling,'' Patrovich said."But it's an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up. I want to build that program.''
Meanwhile, Tom Kane will serve as the coach for the women's golf program.
