SIUE wrestling takes final fall

STEVE PORTER, The Telegraph   November 28, 2002 EDWARDSVILLE --Wrestling is taking the final fall at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville following this season. The university announced Wednesday that it is dropping the sport after this year. "This wasn’t an easy decision," SIUE athletic director Brad Hewitt said. "But it’s the most prudent financial decision. In keeping with the university’s vision statement, intercollegiate athletics’ prime ambition is to be recognized nationally for the excellence in its programs." Hewitt said SIUE is disbanding the wrestling program because of an unanticipated budget shortfall in the intercollegiate athletics program. He pointed to revenue cuts, increased in the cost of health care insurance and an increase in costs for student-athletes. "We considered many options, including across-the-board cuts and the opportunity for additional revenue sources, and decided that discontinuing the wrestling program was the most realistic option," Hewitt said. "It’s consistent with our guiding principles and strategic plan." Hewitt, who estimated the annual budget shortfall at $110,000, said other options such as a dramatic increase in student fees or seeking additional state support didn’t receive enough backing. The university’s 11-member Intercollegiate Athletic Committee, an advisory panel comprised of nine staff and faculty members, plus two SIUE students, analyzed the viability of each sport. SIUE has 15 sports, including eight for women. Hewitt said each student-athlete on the wrestling team presently receiving athletic aid would have their current level of aid continued through graduation. Booker Benford will continue to serve as the Cougars mat coach for the rest of the season. SIUE is idle until Dec. 7 when it competes in the Northern Iowa Open. The Cougars have three more home meets: Jan. 24 with Central Oklahoma and Eastern Illinois, Jan. 28 against Lindenwood and Feb. 9 vs. Northern Illinois.