Big 12 to expand wrestling

[brentsams]

The Big 12 looks to expand wrestling as early as next year. Teams targetted are Utah Valley, Air Force, Wyoming, Northern Colorado, North Dakota State, and South Dakota State. This will make their league an automatic qualifier.

It may not sound like beefing up the league but for what is available, I think it is a step in the right direction. North Dakota State finished slightly below WVU at #23 with 19.5 points. Wyoming scored 6 points, Northern Colorado scored 3 points, Air Force scored 2 points, South Dakota State 1.5 and Utah Valley scored 1.

I also think they could have added some MAC teams first. I don't follow college closely enough to really be in the know.

Anybody have thoughts or know what is happening exactly?

[dunbar76]

If this is true, I think, it is a good thing. May I ask your source and how reliable? NDSU and SDSU have been quite successful division II programs for many years. NDSU had several national chammpionship teams and SDSU many All-Americans in Div. II. They have in the not too distant past made the jump to Div. I . Wyoming, has also in the past had a solid program. Air Force once in a while has a nice program. They, for sure would be nice additions to the Big 12 Wrestling. The other thing with being a qualifying tournament is it will be rotated. That means WVU will get it's turn to host the tournament. What a plus that would be for the program and the state. Hope this is true.

[brentsams]

http://westvirginia.scout.com/forums/45 ... -expansion

They also talked about during the broadcast of the Big 12 championship. The coaches were in favor of it.

[mscoach4]

I believe there were rumors that Iowa State was threatening to leave(for wrestling) if something wasn't done to get the automatic qualifier for the Big 12.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/ ... /24588009/

[aacoach61]

It's a shame that Missouri has to wrestle in the MAC Since the SEC does not have wrestling.

Q: why doesn't the SEC have any interest in wrestling?

[dunbar76]

It isn't only the SEC. Correct me if I"m wrong, I do not think there is as div. 1 wrestling program in the "Great State of Texas". LOL

[mscoach4]

Mr Dunbar is correct, since the implimentation of title 9 in 1972, 669 college wrestling programs have been dropped listed in this link. http://www.nwcaonline.com/entrenchment/ ... ensive.pdf
Texas does not have a single college program in any of the 3 divisions. The closest thing to it is a club team at Texas A&M.
There are only 79 teams left in D1 now which are listed at this link,
http://mwolverine.com/Division_I_Wrestling.html
There are only 222 programs left in all 3 divisions combined. Its sad what title 9 has done to the sport.

[dunbar76]

Wow, I knew it was bad, didn't know it was that bad.