Cleveland State University wrestling is coming to an end. With over 18 athletic programs provided, the Cleveland Wrestling Program comes with its decision to discontinue three of its major programs, including wrestling along with women’s golf and softball. Given such difficulty, the conclusion will come into effect by the end of the academic year.

Being challenged with finance over budgetary shortage, after getting the move approved on January 23 from the Board of Trustees, they decided on ending its CSU wrestling in Division I athletics program. Faced with difficulty to manage for a long time, the Cleveland State has now finalized their decision, which has been currently receiving national attention. From wrestlers to sports college alumni, now it has a certain Ohio State coach giving out his take on CSU dropping their wrestling program.

Ohio State wrestling coach’s shout-out to CSU Wrestling

Ohio State wrestling coach Tom Ryan wasn’t much interested in their rivalry matchup against Michigan State. Rather, his interest went towards the CSU wrestling’s program dropout decision. Speaking for an interview during halftime of the match, Tom emphasized shifting their decision to a positive outcome and bringing out justice for the wrestling program.

“Sport people have moved forward and attacked aggressively do better than those that don’t so we’re off to a good start. And Shane I know what’s talking about the team of the dual right now. But I am gonna give shout out to Cleveland Cavaliers anybody watching Cleveland State just dropped their wrestling program. We gotta do all weekend make sure that program gets saved.”

In order to make things right, it rests in the hands of the committee and trustees to turn over the situation for now. Shifting the focus towards the rivalry match, the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes win over No. 18 Michigan Wolverines comes promising. Winning six out of the 10 matches, the Buckeyes improved to 12-1 this season. Performances by Brendan McCrone, Nic Bouzakis, Jesse Mendez, Dylan D’Emilio, Carson Kharchla, and Ryder Rogotzke contributed well for the Ohio State’s victory by a 25-14 decision.

Unsurprisingly enough, it’s not the matchup but the CSU wrestling program that is receiving the most importance currently. Following the footsteps of Tom Ryan, the wrestlers who are currently part of the CSU and other wrestling teams came forward in giving out their support.

#SaveCSUWrestling is in trend

A CSU player reflects on his journey from a freshman to becoming a star. Building a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, the Cleveland State welcomed Stipe Miocic to their wrestling program for three seasons. Reminiscing on his days as a CSU wrestler, Stipe came out in public with his support for the Cleveland State wrestling program.

“Man, it was such a great program, and it’s just a great sport in general. I’ll never forget. I think about the times that we had together, and it was just amazing, and unfortunately, these kids aren’t going to have the chance to finish it out.”

While not commenting on the program as a whole, the former heavyweight champion stands up for the individuals who contributed to its success. Praising the young talent and the trainers, Miocic acknowledges the hard work that has gone into building the Cleveland State wrestling program, which now comes to an end after years of success.

“I just felt terrible for those kids and the coaches, too. They all have a vision, and they get better every year. And I see those kids at the gym all the time. During the offseason, they work hard, and they do everything they’re supposed to.”

Not just its alumni, but wrestling teams like the Clarion also came out in support of the CSU wrestling program, with its wrestlers donning the team shirts. With support like these, there is a GoFundMe account to raise money, which the wrestling program has been working on since 2015. With these supportive elements coming nationwide, whether this reflects on the decision made remains a question.