2008 Woodie Awards
Wrestlers strive to survive
Scott Tracy/Online Reporter
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Arts and Entertainment
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When Eastern Illinois' Athletic Administration canceled the wrestling program on May 17, 2007 due to low Academic Progress Report (APR) scores, it became the first university ever to abolish an entire athletic program because of struggling APR scores.
With only four wrestlers graduating last year, it came to be a disturbing surprise for the 19 returning team members, coaches, recruits, parents, and fans that were completely unaware of the decisions made.
Linda Trinka, mother of heavyweight Joe Trinka, said, "I was absolutely appalled to hear that the university abruptly dropped their wrestling program. It is completely unethical and immoral to drop a collegiate athletic program without any sort of prior notification during the team's completion of the '06-07 season."
The team chose not to accept the harsh actions made to end the EIU wrestling program, but instead proved their perseverance and determination learned in the wrestling room by taking any action possible to change their unfortunate outcome.
With large numbers and thunderous voices, the wrestlers and supporters began with e-mails and letters to the administration. When there was little if any feedback received, the team and supporters realized they must take matters into their own hands.
Mike Moyer, executive director of the National Wrestling Coaches Administration (NWCA), was more than willing and qualified for the job. Mike informed the team of their legal rights, assisted with funding, and helped the team gain entry into the board of trustees meeting on June 25 in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Grand Ballroom.
EIU wrestlers and supporters donated much time and money in hopes of rescuing their lost program. Even when confidence was down, the team and their supporters piled into the board meeting by the hundreds with arguments, proposals, and even in-depth plans in hope to overturn the committee's decision.
The board refused to reinstate the team for this school year because more time was needed to review and assess the wrestlers' situation. Now, five months after cancellation with no word from administration still, the wrestlers' support size and confidence just keeps multiplying.
With only four wrestlers graduating last year, it came to be a disturbing surprise for the 19 returning team members, coaches, recruits, parents, and fans that were completely unaware of the decisions made.
Linda Trinka, mother of heavyweight Joe Trinka, said, "I was absolutely appalled to hear that the university abruptly dropped their wrestling program. It is completely unethical and immoral to drop a collegiate athletic program without any sort of prior notification during the team's completion of the '06-07 season."
The team chose not to accept the harsh actions made to end the EIU wrestling program, but instead proved their perseverance and determination learned in the wrestling room by taking any action possible to change their unfortunate outcome.
With large numbers and thunderous voices, the wrestlers and supporters began with e-mails and letters to the administration. When there was little if any feedback received, the team and supporters realized they must take matters into their own hands.
Mike Moyer, executive director of the National Wrestling Coaches Administration (NWCA), was more than willing and qualified for the job. Mike informed the team of their legal rights, assisted with funding, and helped the team gain entry into the board of trustees meeting on June 25 in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Grand Ballroom.
EIU wrestlers and supporters donated much time and money in hopes of rescuing their lost program. Even when confidence was down, the team and their supporters piled into the board meeting by the hundreds with arguments, proposals, and even in-depth plans in hope to overturn the committee's decision.
The board refused to reinstate the team for this school year because more time was needed to review and assess the wrestlers' situation. Now, five months after cancellation with no word from administration still, the wrestlers' support size and confidence just keeps multiplying.
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