TEMPE, Arizona, May 23. CONTRARY to much of the conversation going around the online swimming community calling it lip service that Arizona State University would reinstate the three cut sports if they came up with funding, ASU wrestling has been reinstated immediately thanks to a strong fundraising push since the cuts were announced.<\/p>\n
Here is the announcement from ASU announcing the reinstatement:<\/p>\n
Arizona State University Vice President for Athletics Lisa Love announced Friday that the athletic department is fully reinstating the sport of varsity wrestling, effective immediately, due to financial support from local civic leadership. The reinstatement of wrestling gives ASU 21 sports in its varsity athletic program. <\/p>\n
"It is with great pleasure that I announce the reinstatement of the varsity sport of wrestling at ASU," says Love. "The wrestling community, both locally and nationally, accepted this as a challenge to do something wonderful for the sport. ASU is forever grateful for that passion and unwavering support. Something special is happening on our campus thanks to civic leadership that cares deeply about ASU wrestling." <\/p>\n
ASU had announced on May 13, 2008 that it was discontinuing the sport of wrestling due to the rising cost of operating a 22-sport varsity program. It was determined at that time that sponsoring a 20-sport program would better fit ASU's athletic financial profile. Love indicated at the time that if the wrestling community were able to raise enough financial support the sport could be reinstated. That commitment is there and the sport will continue at Arizona State. <\/p>\n
Love said that fundraising for the sport of wrestling will be an ongoing process. The objective is not just to sponsor wrestling as a varsity sport, but to position the sport as one of the top programs in the country. <\/p>\n
The Sun Devil wrestling team is a member of the Pacific-10 Conference.<\/i><\/p>\n