Stanford head wrestling coach Jason Borrelli (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Stanford University announced Wednesday that it will discontinue its wrestling program, along with 10 other varsity sports, at the end of the 2020-21 academic year.
According to Stanford, the discontinued programs will be able to complete their 2020-21 seasons "should the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 allow it."
In addition to wrestling, Stanford eliminated men's and women's fencing, field hockey, men's volleyball, lightweight rowing, men's rowing, co-ed and women's sailing, squash and synchronized swimming.
"Providing 36 varsity teams with the level of support that they deserve has become a serious and growing financial challenge," Stanford said in a statement. "We now face the reality that significant change is needed to create fiscal stability for Stanford Athletics, and to provide the support we believe is essential for our student-athletes to excel.
"This is heartbreaking news to share. These 11 programs consist of more than 240 incredible student-athletes and 22 dedicated coaches. They were built by more than 4,000 alumni whose contributions led to 20 national championships, 27 Olympic medals, and an untold number of academic and professional achievements. Each of the individuals associated with these programs will forever have a place in Stanford's history."
Stanford's wrestling program, under the leadership of Jason Borrelli, finished this past season with a dual meet record of 11-4 and runner-up at the Pac-12 Championships.
Nothing like a little adversity and a good challenge. First we will listen to understand why. Then we will strategize and prepare for the battle! Lastly, we will execute and make this right. Let's go @CardWrestling fans... who's with us?
— Jason Borrelli (@Jason_Borrelli) July 8, 2020
Freshmen Real Woods (141) and Shane Griffith (165) won Pac-12 titles this year.
The program has produced several All-Americans in its history, including a national champion, Matt Gentry, in 2004.
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