BOSTON - Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Mike Lynch announced today that at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season, Boston University will no longer sponsor wrestling at the varsity level.
Consistent with University processes, the Department of Athletics, in conjunction with campus administrators and the Board of Trustees, thoroughly reviewed and evaluated Department priorities and determined that to bring the wrestling program to a championship-caliber level, an immense infusion of resources, including major facility enhancements and additional staffing, would be required.
"This obviously been a very difficult decision to make," said Lynch. "I understand the impact this will have on our staff and students. However, we have to strategically use our resources in the most efficient and effective manner, and the decision to move forward without wrestling, though difficult, is the right one for Boston University."
Senior Vice President Todd Klipp added that, "Like all University academic and administrative units, the Department of Athletics is constantly assessing its strategic priorities. That process can necessitate making difficult decisions like this one."
All student-athletes currently receiving wrestling scholarships will have those scholarships honored for the remainder of their undergraduate careers at BU. Should student-athletes seek to continue their wrestling careers at other institutions, they will be eligible immediately under NCAA guidelines and the University will provide assistance in the transfer process.
The 2012-13 wrestling team includes 11 juniors among its 25-man roster. Therefore, the decision to sponsor wrestling for one more season will allow all members of the Class of 2014 to complete their collegiate careers and degrees at Boston University.
"We want to be sensitive to the student-athletes impacted by this decision and allow them as much time as possible to consider their options," said Lynch.
For the past 32 seasons, Carl Adams has been at the helm of the Terrier program, guiding the team to 10 conference titles, most recently in 1994. Adams, a two-time NCAA champion at Iowa State, is a member of four different wrestling Halls of Fame (Massachusetts, Iowa State, Glen Brand of Iowa, Midlands) and ranks fourth among active coaches in career wins at the Division I level with 324, including 301 at BU.
 |
"I'd like to thank Carl for his remarkable coaching career and for his exemplary service to our student-athletes," said Lynch. "We are grateful and fortunate to have had a legend in the sport guide our program for over 30 years. His dedication to BU and the sport is truly admirable."
Same AD 8 months ago-
July 6, 2012
Dear Terrier Nation,
There have been many exciting things happening at Boston University these past few months. We recently secured our seventh consecutive America East's Commissioner's Cup as the best program in the league, hired our first men's lacrosse head coach and our first women's lightweight rowing head coach, and made an announcement of joining the Patriot League starting with the 2013-14 academic year. Progress continues as we strengthen Terrier Athletics.
Unfortunately with all of these great advances comes some disappointing news. Many of you may have already read that the presidents of America East Conference schools have used their discretion to bar BU teams from participating in this coming season's America East Conference championship events. Our final season, after 33 years of exemplary participation, will be played with no conference championship opportunities for our student-athletes.
We are extremely disappointed in this decision, especially since it harshly impacts our student-athletes. I would imagine you feel the same way and wish that this could be overturned. In the past week we made our case to the America East Conference asking for reconsideration, but to no avail.
We remain steadfastly by our student-athletes throughout this process and, despite this setback, will face this challenge head on. Our teams remain eligible for regular season championships and awards, as well as postseason competition through NCAA at-large bids and other tournament opportunities. I believe we are well positioned in many sports for this to occur and look forward to a memorable year for BU sports.
We appreciate your continued support. Go BU!
Sincerely,
Mike Lynch
Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics
Dear Terrier Nation,
There have been many exciting things happening at Boston University these past few months. We recently secured our seventh consecutive America East's Commissioner's Cup as the best program in the league, hired our first men's lacrosse head coach and our first women's lightweight rowing head coach, and made an announcement of joining the Patriot League starting with the 2013-14 academic year. Progress continues as we strengthen Terrier Athletics.
Unfortunately with all of these great advances comes some disappointing news. Many of you may have already read that the presidents of America East Conference schools have used their discretion to bar BU teams from participating in this coming season's America East Conference championship events. Our final season, after 33 years of exemplary participation, will be played with no conference championship opportunities for our student-athletes.
We are extremely disappointed in this decision, especially since it harshly impacts our student-athletes. I would imagine you feel the same way and wish that this could be overturned. In the past week we made our case to the America East Conference asking for reconsideration, but to no avail.
We remain steadfastly by our student-athletes throughout this process and, despite this setback, will face this challenge head on. Our teams remain eligible for regular season championships and awards, as well as postseason competition through NCAA at-large bids and other tournament opportunities. I believe we are well positioned in many sports for this to occur and look forward to a memorable year for BU sports.
We appreciate your continued support. Go BU!
Sincerely,
Mike Lynch
Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics
Scott Casber
515-707-8657
515-707-8657
No comments:
Post a Comment