WRESTLING BUILDS LEADERSHIP, BUT SO DO HBCUs.
WRESTLERS SHOULDN’T HAVE TO CHOOSE
OVER 100 HBCUs,NOT ONE HAS DIVISION I WRESTLING
HBCU Wrestling Initiative mission is to establish and restore wrestling to America's historically black colleges and universities and expand access to opportunities created by wrestling for the black community so as to advance social justice and produce black wrestlers and leaders who have the potential to change the trajectory of their families, community, and country.
When we started, not one of the over one hundred HBCUs had a Division I wrestling program. This is a problem because wrestling is a sport that teaches discipline, determination, and perseverance-- all qualities that are essential for success in any field. Without the same opportunities as everyone else, it is difficult for black leaders to emerge.
This is why we have created the HBCU Wrestling Initiative. To create opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Through the establishment and restoration of wrestling programs at HBCUs, we aim to expand access to the invaluable life skills, networking opportunities, and career pathways that the sport offers. Ultimately, producing Black wrestlers and leaders who have the potential to change the trajectory of their families, community, and country for generations to come.
EXPANDING THE BLACK COMMUNITY’S FOOTPRINT AND POWER WITHIN THE SPORT.
HBCUs once had wrestling programs, with more than ten existing at one point. HBCU wrestling flourished, producing notable athletes like William "Bucky" Smith, the first Black student-athlete to win a DII championship in any sport and a DI runner-up in 1980.
Wrestling was cut from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) due to a combination of financial and cultural factors. Many HBCUs struggled with limited resources and funding, and wrestling programs were often seen as expensive and difficult to maintain. As a result, many HBCUs began to drop wrestling programs between the late 80s and early 2000’s. The trend continued over the years, and the last Division I program was dropped in the year of 2009.
As a result numerous of leaders have had missed opportunities. HBCU Wrestling has set a $18 million fundraising goal over the next five years to establish wrestling programs at a minimum of six HBCUs. The aim is to broaden access to wrestling opportunities for the Black community, expand their impact in the sport, and support the vital institutions represented by HBCUs.
KENNY MONDAY
“Starting Wrestling at HBCUs is a phenomenal opportunity for our young wrestlers growing up. I'm fully behind supporting the idea of starting wrestling programs at HBCUs”
ERIN GOLSTON
“When I first heard that it's an initiative to bring wrestling to HBCUs I was extremely excited. It will allow young black men and women an opportunity that I didn't have. I may also want to get into coaching one day and it would be extremely interesting in coaching at HBCU”
KERRY MCCOY
“When wrestling programs started disappearing from HBCUs, it was such a terrible situation. And now that we are looking to bring it back it’s such a great opportunity for our young boys and girls because they won't have to choose between honoring legacy and culture or the sport that they love.”
Mike Novogratz
“Wrestling teaches leadership. 15 of our 46 presidents wrestled as well as many important business, political, and community leaders. That is what HBCU Wrestling is about, it's about growing the sport of wrestling and our bench of future black leaders who will make our nation more just and prosperous. ."
Nate Parker
“What excites me most about being a part of the HBCUW initiative is in knowing other young women and men will have an opportunity to gain access to the sport of wrestling while also pursuing an education in an environment designed for their specific cultural enrichment and growth.”
Tony Dungy
“I am really excited to help with the HBCU Wrestling Initiative. I always loved it when we drafted a football player who had a wrestling background because I knew we were getting a disciplined, motivated, team-oriented person. I’m looking forward to seeing young men and women continue their wrestling careers and develop their leadership skills at HBCU schools”
THE COMMITMENT
The HBCU Wrestling Initiative is committed to restoring and establishing Women’s and Men’s wrestling programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. We pledge to make up to a 10-year commitment to NCAA-sanctioned wrestling programs, provide scholarship opportunities, coaches with salaries comparable to top programs and competitive operating budgets.
We provide resources to support coaches and wrestling programs at HBCUs, including securing funding from various sources, offering guidance on fundraising and budget management, and advocating for increased recognition and investment in HBCU wrestling programs. Moreover, we provide coaches with leadership and training opportunities through our partners at the Black Wrestling Association, and National Wrestling Coaches Associations.
We believe that every student-athlete deserves a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background. If you are an Athletic Director or School Director interested in starting a wrestling program, we encourage you to contact our team. We are here to help and support you in building a program that will provide young athletes with the resources they need to excel both on and off the mat.
Don't see your school listed among our participating HBCUs? Wondering how you can still get involved and support the HBCU Wrestling Initiative?
There are several ways you can help make a difference. You can start by spreading the word about our organization and our mission to support HBCU wrestling programs. You can also make a donation to support our scholarship programs and other initiatives, or contact us if you're interested in becoming a campus ambassador.
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JOIN US BY PARTICIPATING IN 3 WAYS:
organize
Organize your community to join this movement. We will support you in hosting events or fundraisers.
become a fan
Get involved – meet the athletes, attend matches, connect with the individual programs.
