One hundred and seven Division-I schools sponsored wrestling 25 years ago. After Old Dominion cut wrestling last week, fewer than 70 Division-I schools are now sponsoring wrestling. And the bleeding might not stop as schools are faced with a potentially grim financial picture with coronavirus cancellations.
"We are saddened to have to make this decision, but it's one that was made with the long-term best interest of the athletics program in mind," said Old Dominion athletic director Camden Wood Selig. "Our decision became even more clear during this coronavirus crisis, which we know will have significant impact on future athletics budgets. This decision will better allow the remaining sports to compete at a national level."
Will other schools follow ODU's lead in cutting non-revenue sports? Will schools see this as an opportunity to cut sports and spend leftover money elsewhere?
We discussed on this week's High Motor podcast. Listen below (or on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, or Stitcher):