Grand Canyon University has decided to discontinue wrestling at the varsity level for next year. According to Charles Hampton, a writer for GCU athletics, the program was deemed necessary to change for a more successful athletics landscape. Apparently, there was no definitive reason given to the wrestlers, only that they would keep their scholarships.
While I respect the fact that GCU is a constantly changing environment, I do not think a varsity sport as prominent as wrestling should be discontinued, and there are several reasons why.
Besides my natural bias to the subject, wrestling is a sport that is universally understood. On the surface, you are able to clearly see the physical attributes of wrestlers, but underneath lies life lessons unobtainable through other resources or sports. I'm sure you have roughhoused with one of your siblings or family members before, a playful sport with familial ties is not all wrestling has to offer. Not to mention that wrestling does not discriminate. No matter what height, size, gender, or weight you are, there is a class waiting for you. In most sports you find that you need a certain body type to succeed, but not in wrestling. As you have the will, desire, and passion to succeed, you will ultimately do so.
There are also other aspects such as personal growth, which occur in a wrestler's life. These include self-confidence, discipline, mental toughness, sportsmanship, competitiveness, physical fitness, and self-defense.
Forbes magazine released an article in 2012 describing Why Wrestlers Make the Best Employees. The writer of this article tastefully describes wrestling as not only an art, but also an acquired skill that continues throughout a lifetime.
“More enduringly than any other sport, wrestling teaches self-control and pride. Some have wrestled without great skill—none have wrestled without pride.”
Dan Gable
That same article depicts wrestlers as incredible employees. While all sports bring certain attributes to the table, the article notes one constant observation, wrestlers have a capacity to push themselves harder than most and display an unrivaled mental toughness—that and a deep desire to eat.
“I swear it upon Zeus, an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler.”
Socrates
As a runner, I am able to agree with this quote. I believe Track and Field, as well as Wrestling, to be equal counterparts in the sports world. Both are sports in which the mind plays more of a role in your success than your physical capacity.
I had the privilege of meeting Henry Cejudo here at Grand Canyon University. This was not a scheduled event, no lines, or media waiting. No, I was sitting in CWV class when my professor ended his lesson and announced, "One of my good friends is here to talk to you today." I remember he talked about his childhood, and "making it in America" born of an immigrant mother. What he lacked in monetary funds, he made up for in skill and passion. He and his brother dominated the competition here in Phoenix at Maryvale High school, and he now stands as one of the (if not the) youngest American wrestler to ever win an Olympic gold medal.
When I asked a wrestler here at GCU his thoughts on this, he simply said "It's ridiculous." I could tell he wanted to say more, but held back in an attempt to hide the overwhelming emotions I knew were going to follow.
In the end, my bias stems from managing wrestling throughout high school, as well as my brief attempt to be a wrestler myself in middle school, but wound up with a broken finger the first week of practice (thanks again J.G.). Wrestling is tough, and every school, collegiate or not, needs to have the opportunity available to students. If it is true that Grand Canyon University stands for motivating students and making accommodations . . . they should accommodate this: the need for something bigger than themselves.
I would like to thank Forbes Magazine and iSport wrestling for assisting me in the wrestling culture of this article.
