Why Did Nebraska Omaha Drop Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Why Did Nebraska Omaha Drop Wrestling? On April 17, 2011, the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) made the shocking announcement that they were dropping their wrestling program. This decision sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and left many wondering why a school with such a rich wrestling tradition would choose to abandon the sport. The History of Wrestling at UNO Wrestling has a long and storied history at UNO. The program was first established in 1941 and quickly grew into a powerhouse in collegiate wrestling. Over the years, UNO produced numerous All-Americans and even NCAA champions. The program consistently ranked among the top teams in the country and brought national attention to the university. The Financial Factor One of the main reasons cited for dropping wrestling was financial constraints. Like many universities, UNO faced budgetary challenges, and tough decisions had to be made to ensure the long-term viability of the athletic department. UNO’s athletic director explained: “We had to evaluate each sport’s financial impact on our department. Unfortunately, wrestling was not generating enough revenue to justify its continued existence.” The Title IX Debate Another factor that contributed to UNO’s decision was compliance with Title IX regulations. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs that receive federal funding. To comply with Title IX, schools must provide equal opportunities for male and female athletes. The athletic director further elaborated: “To maintain compliance with Title IX, we needed to make adjustments within our athletic offerings. Unfortunately, this meant discontinuing wrestling as we couldn’t afford to add additional women’s sports to balance the numbers. The Impact on Student-Athletes The decision to drop wrestling had a significant impact on the student-athletes involved. For many of them, wrestling was not just a sport but a way of life. They had dedicated countless hours to training, competing, and representing UNO on the mat. A former wrestler expressed his disappointment: “It’s disheartening to see a program with such a rich history disappear. Wrestling taught me discipline, perseverance, and shaped me into the person I am today. It’s devastating for current and future athletes who won’t have the chance to experience what I did. “ The Future of Wrestling at UNO Despite the program’s discontinuation, there is still hope for the future of wrestling at UNO. Alumni, fans, and supporters continue to advocate for the reinstatement of the program. Their passion and dedication have sparked conversations about fundraising efforts and exploring potential partnerships to bring wrestling back to UNO. The athletic director acknowledged: “We understand and appreciate the passion our community has for wrestling. While there are no immediate plans, we remain open to exploring opportunities that could lead to its return in the future.” Moving Forward Although Nebraska Omaha dropped wrestling in 2011, its impact continues to be felt within both the university and wrestling community. The decision was made with careful consideration of financial constraints and Title IX compliance. However, it is important for supporters of wrestling to continue advocating for its reinstatement so that future generations can experience the sport’s transformative power.