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Twice Cut, Still Fighting: The Dramatic History And Uncertain Future Of Fresno State University Wrestling

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The saga of Fresno State University Wrestling is one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking stories in modern collegiate athletics, a tale of two program terminations, a brief, triumphant return, and an ongoing, determined fight for survival. As of December 23, 2025, the official NCAA Division I program remains inactive, having been eliminated for the second time in less than two decades. The program’s turbulent journey—from its establishment in 1962 to its current status as a community-driven campaign—epitomizes the financial and Title IX pressures facing non-revenue collegiate sports across the United States.

The latest chapter focuses on the dedicated "Keep Fresno State Wrestling" movement, which continues to lobby university officials and raise funds, determined to see the Bulldogs return to the mat. The program’s history is rich with All-Americans and Olympic talent, yet it has repeatedly fallen victim to budget cuts, most recently amid the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fight for a second reinstatement is now a crucial test of community power versus institutional economics.

The Phoenix Program: A Timeline of Two Cuts and a Decade-Long Fight for Reinstatement

Fresno State wrestling, or "Bulldog Wrestling," has a history dating back to 1962, establishing a strong tradition in California’s Central Valley, a hotbed for high school wrestling talent.

The First Termination (2006)

The program first faced termination in 2006. University officials cited "financial challenges" as the driving force behind the decision, a common reason for the elimination of non-revenue sports. The initial cut was a major blow to the local wrestling community, which had supported the program for over four decades.

The Triumphant Return (2017–2020)

A decade-long, grassroots campaign by alumni and community members successfully pressured the university to reinstate the program. The announcement came in 2015, and the team officially returned for the 2017–2018 season, alongside the creation of a women's water polo program to address Title IX compliance.

  • Conference Affiliation: During this brief, second life, Fresno State Wrestling competed in the prestigious Big 12 Conference, instantly elevating the program's profile and competition level.
  • Coaching: Former Bulldog Director of Athletics and two-time NCAA champion Troy Steiner was hired as the head coach to lead the resurrected program.
  • Success: The program quickly found success, sending wrestlers to the NCAA Championships and earning Academic All-Big 12 honors, proving its viability on the national stage.

The Second Termination (2020)

Tragically, after just four seasons, the program was eliminated again in October 2020. This decision, which also included cutting men's tennis and women's lacrosse, was attributed to the severe financial distress caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. For many, the termination felt like the program was "set up to fail" after a decade of hard work to bring it back.

Legacy and Notables: The All-Americans Who Defined Bulldog Wrestling

Despite its on-again, off-again status, the Fresno State program has produced world-class talent and remains a point of pride for the Central Valley. The legacy of Bulldog Wrestling is cemented by several key figures and achievements.

Olympic Talent: Stephen Abas

The most decorated wrestler in the program's history is unquestionably Stephen Abas. Abas was a three-time NCAA National Champion for the Bulldogs and went on to win a Silver Medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. His success is a testament to the high-caliber talent that the program was capable of developing.

Notable All-Americans and Key Figures

The program has seen numerous athletes achieve All-American status throughout its history, showcasing its consistent competitive edge in the NCAA landscape.

  • Stephen Abas: 1998, 1999, 2001 NCAA Champion, 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist.
  • Yero Washington: 1997 All-American.
  • Brendan Buckley: 1997 All-American.
  • Alfonzo Tucker: 1996 All-American.
  • DJ Lloren: Qualified for the NCAA Championships in the final season (2020-21) of the reinstated program.
  • Stan Harter: Former two-time All-American, a key voice in the original reinstatement effort.
  • Troy Steiner: Head Coach during the reinstatement era, who later took a coaching role with the Gopher Wrestling Club after the program was cut a second time.

The Current Battle: Keep Fresno State Wrestling and the Road Ahead

The fight for the program's third life is currently being spearheaded by the "Keep Fresno State Wrestling" organization, a dedicated group of alumni, boosters, and community leaders. Their efforts are focused on creating a sustainable, long-term financial model that can satisfy the university's budget concerns and Title IX requirements.

Meeting with University Leadership

Key figures from the "Keep Fresno State Wrestling" group have met with the new university president, Dr. Saul Jimenez-Sandoval, to discuss a path forward. The community's determination remains high, recognizing the program's importance to the Central Valley and its strong pipeline from local high school wrestling programs, such as the elite program at Clovis High School.

Controversy and Coaching Changes

The final years of the reinstated program were not without controversy. In a critical development following the 2020 cut, an investigation into the program revealed allegations of sexual misconduct involving head coach Troy Steiner and former assistant coach Israel Silva. This sensitive issue adds another layer of complexity to the program's recent history, highlighting internal challenges that further compounded the external financial pressures.

The Future of Bulldog Wrestling

The path to a second reinstatement is steep. It requires not only significant fundraising but also a robust plan to maintain compliance with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Title IX regulations, which mandate gender equity in collegiate sports. The community must demonstrate a clear and sustainable path to financial independence for the program to convince the administration to take the risk a third time. Despite the challenges, the hope remains that one of the toughest wrestling communities in the nation will eventually see the Bulldogs return to competing in the Big 12 Conference and on the national stage. The commitment of the "Keep Fresno State Wrestling" movement ensures that the story is far from over.

Twice Cut, Still Fighting: The Dramatic History and Uncertain Future of Fresno State University Wrestling
fresno state university wrestling
fresno state university wrestling

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