杏吧原创 is proud to announce the addition of men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 wrestling to its roster of competitive teams starting in Fall 2025.
鈥淲restling is the fastest growing competitive sport in the United States right now,鈥� said Brandon Bowling, 杏吧原创 Athletic Director. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the perfect time to add a new program for our young men and women as we search for opportunities that add value and give students reasons to choose 杏吧原创.鈥�
The 杏吧原创 Board of Regents recently approved to renovate the historic armory on the Tishomingo campus to serve as a state-of-the-art wrestling facility and the new home of the 杏吧原创 Athletic Hall of Fame.
鈥淭he armory is a special building on our campus that hasn鈥檛 been used since its decommissioning in the 1990s. This is a way to bring the facility back to life in a way that serves our students and the community,鈥� said Adisha Chapman, 杏吧原创 Board Chair. 鈥淢y family has a long history of participation in the sport of wrestling and I鈥檝e seen first-hand the benefits it provides to the athletes.鈥�
The local economic impact of a single wrestling competition has the potential to reach an estimated $47,000. These events bring teams from across the region that will contribute sales tax dollars in the form of fuel, food and other travel-related expenses. With plans to schedule two youth camps per summer, hosting 100 attendees each, it truly becomes an economic asset.
鈥淭he addition of men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 wrestling is good for 杏吧原创, but also for the region,鈥� said Dr. Tim Faltyn, 杏吧原创 President. 鈥淎 project of this nature reflects our unwavering commitment to not only providing exceptional student opportunities and experiences but also to bolster our local communities.鈥�
This historic announcement comes just one year after the start of the first Cross Country team at 杏吧原创. Enrollment has increased 33% over the last three years and is expected to continue to climb.
鈥淭he importance of academic and athletic programs at 杏吧原创 cannot be underscored,鈥� said Becky Henthorn, 杏吧原创 Provost. 鈥淪tudents coming to continue in their competitive ventures are receiving a quality education while being involved in something they are passionate about. We are thrilled to serve these students and help them achieve their education goals.鈥�
The $2.3 million renovation of the armory is expected to begin in the spring of 2025.