Missouri Wrestling
In a significant development for the collegiate wrestling community, Lindenwood University has announced the discontinuation of ten athletic teams, including the NCAA Men’s Wrestling program, after the Spring 2024 season. This decision is part of a strategic realignment of the university’s athletic department, focusing on sustainability and the quality of both academic and athletic experiences offered at Lindenwood.
The list of discontinued sports is extensive, but the focus here is on the impact on the wrestling program. The cessation of the NCAA Men’s Wrestling team, a critical component of Lindenwood’s athletic identity, marks a pivotal moment for the university and its wrestling athletes.
Jason Coomer, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Lindenwood, expressed the difficulty of this decision, acknowledging the challenges it poses for student-athletes passionate about their sports, particularly wrestling. Coomer emphasized the necessity of this move for the department’s long-term viability but also recognized the deep disappointment it brings to the affected teams, staff, and coaches.
Despite this setback, Coomer assured that the university would support the impacted teams, including the wrestling squad, to ensure they have a memorable final season. Furthermore, efforts will be made to assist student-athletes in exploring their options, whether that means continuing their education at Lindenwood or transferring to other institutions to pursue their athletic careers.
This decision underscores the evolving landscape of collegiate sports, where wrestling and other athletic programs face challenges in aligning with broader institutional goals. As the Lindenwood wrestling team prepares for its final bouts, the university community and the wider wrestling world will be watching closely, marking the end of an era for Lindenwood wrestling.
The athletic teams being discontinued are:
· NCAA Men’s Lacrosse, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Tennis, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Indoor Track & Field, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Wrestling, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Women’s Field Hockey, effective December 1, 2023
· NCAA Women’s Gymnastics, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· SLS Men’s and Women’s Cycling, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
Official press release can be found on the Lindenwood web site.
