University
of California Riverside Athletics Director Stan Morrison will
answer selected questions from our online readers throughout
the school year. To submit a question to "Ask Stan Morrison",
click here.
Question:
"Stan,
With
the reasoning against resurrecting UCR's football program
lying mainly within the costs associated, would it be at all
possible to start
a wrestling program? Costs wouldn't be nearly as expensive
as would a
football program what with the limited amount of equipment
necessary, and
there are several conferences with ties to California that
we might be able
to compete in. Is this at all a possibility or am I just dreaming
here?"
Submitted by Kevin
Stan's
Reply :
"Dear
Kevin,
Thanks for asking a question about one of my all-time favorite
sports - intercollegiate wrestling. Right now, we are beginning
year 4 of a self imposed moratorium on adding any sports to
our intercollegiate offerings. We have 17 sports right now.
My commitment in this regard is centered around being able
to demonstrate that we can appropriately and soundly take
care of the 17 sports we currently have before adding any
more.
The
state budget crunch is making that a little tough right now
You are certainly right about the costs being considerably
below the cost of football. In adding another sport, male
or female, we must also remain conscious of adding a sport
for the opposite gender to maintain Title IX compliance. Additionally,
I would be very concerned about a practice/match venue which
simply doesn't exist at this particular time. It would seem
that our basketball and volleyball practice gymnasium would
be a good place. Unfortunately, that facility gets used almost
around the clock by in-season and out-of-season teams. Those
issues would have to be addressed before moving ahead with
a decision to add a sport. I know you understand.
Kevin,
thanks for taking time to send your inquiry. I receive many
similar questions weekly over both Wrestling and other sports.
. .including football! Come out and catch our Men's and Women's
Soccer Teams. They are much improved. All the best.
Braveheart
is Alive!
-Stan
Morrison
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