This site is currently under development, but check back soon for more news and important information.
To get involved immediately, visit the Contact the Administration section to get the email addresses and phone numbers of the university president and athletic director. The Important Facts section contains information to include in your correspondences. You can also sign the online Petition to show your support.
*** Please post your comments and ideas on the Message Board ***
It is easier for people to view them on the forum as opposed to comments made on these blog postings.
Welcome to Save Oregon Wrestling
I hear this is the new homebase for the fight to save the wrestling program at the University of Oregon. There are more supporters who desire to save this program and care about its future and well being, more than the administration can fathom. Wrestling people are passionate and compassionate for those involved in the sport and this particular program, even if the administration decided that the program wasn’t worthy of keeping. After nearly 60 years, conference and NCAA Champions, many all americans, multiple Olympic team members, world medalists, a National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee just this past June, and an Olympic coach….the University of Oregon has unfortunately decided that wrestling isn’t worthy of taking the battle field anymore and representing the green and gold of the U of O. I know from all my years in this sport that wrestling people will not stand around and take this lightly. I am happy to help with this cause.
This is one of the greatest descriptions of our sport that you will ever read. It is by Russ Hellickson, former Ohio State coach and longtime wrestling advocate.
I Am Wrestling
From the ancient walls of Samaria and from Hieroglyphics written on the tombs of Egyptian Kings, we know that wrestling is a sport of the ages. It touches the lives of all who participate in it and many times even those who just observe it.
Who can forget the emotional victory of Jeff Blatnick over cancer before his gold medal win in Los Angeles in 1984 or the heart rendering upset victory of Rulon Gardner over previously undefeated wrestling icon Alexander Karelin in Australia at the 2000 Olympics.
You can see the impact of the sport in the eyes of even its youngest combatants. Perhaps in apprehension of that very first one on one or that glorious twinkling elation that comes from the first victory over the vanquished foe.
And for those who stay the course for a career, their eyes reflect a passion that penetrates deep into their very soul, a look that impacts for a lifetime and yes a look that makes them what they are.
Here is an image that I want to leave with each of you tonight:
I am Wrestling! Do not weep for me!!
Weep for those who will never experience me.
Weep for those who will never feel the exhausting pain of my training,
Weep for those who will never sense the bond of Camaraderie that once established will never wane or die.
Weep for those who will never comprehend the demands of my discipline
And most of all, Weep for those poor souls who will never miss me, because they never knew me.
I am Wrestling! Do not weep for me!!
I have been experienced in virtually every culture and civilization known to mankind.
I have been contested in over 150 documented forms in written history.
There is no Nation on this planet that throughout all time, has not experienced me.
I am Wrestling! Do not weep for me!!
Look to those seated around you and think of the qualities that make them what they are:
Accountability, responsibility, persistence, fortitude, strength, compassion, work ethic, ingenuity, determination, integrity, honesty, focus, diligence, and resolve.
Wrestling is not the only place they could acquire these, but By God they all reside here!!
And if you live with me long enough these will become you.
I am Wrestling! Do not weep for me!!
No political agenda or political interpretation can ever destroy me. My merit and my worth is no threat to any cause, but rather through my values, I am a model for others.
I am Wrestling! Do not weep for me!!
Celebrate what I am, celebrate what I have been, celebrate what I represent, and celebrate the many ways I have impacted your life. I will survive this test as I have survived others, I am forever etched into the very fiber of all mankind.
The world needs me.
Time is on my side.
History guarantees me!
I am Wrestling!
Do Not weep for me!!
- Russ Hellickson
Hello University of Oregon,
I am a San Francisco State Graduate/Wrestler. Wrestling has been in my life for over 44 years and has motiveted me to continue giving back to the sport in many ways. I volunteer with the local clubs and schools, I donated money to local athletes so they can travel to various events, motivate the athletes to continue their education (and possibly compete there as well). The nation has been experiencing many negative
things for the last few years. Please do what you may to save one of only a few programs left in the PAC 10 and the country. I hope this program can come up a solution to maintain this wonderful and historic program.
sincerely ,
Robert Gonzalez
I can not believe that another west coast university, with an excellent wrestling program, has decided to cut their wrestling program. We have alot of educating to do on the positive benefits of having a wrestling program.
Never give up, never quit! The program at Fresno State was cut a year ago. While the administration has not budged from it’s position, the President of the University is under extreme pressure and he will now be grilled by the California State Legislature. I do beleive that President Welty’s time is about to expire. When that happens, wrestling will be restored here.
In the meantime, get the word out. Have rally after rally. Get the student body and student government involved. Contact your State legislative reps and get them onboard. Keep the media informed and invite them to every event. Get your letter writing campaign underway.
Visist the SaveFresnoWrestling.com website to generate ideas. Keep the pressure on and never give up! Feel free to contact me if you need assistance.
Doc
“Wrestling is a standard of excellence. It is that standard, in sports and in life, that will lead us to find cures for the things overtaking us.”
Those empowered with deciding whether the University of Oregon remains a viable institution of higher learning by this definition need to fully understand the harm they endeavor to cause to the credibility of their university.
There are a precious few training grounds available to our young men and women to create the outstanding leaders and groundbreakers of the future.
Those who would eliminate an NCAA wrestling program bear full responsibility for helping to weaken a generation at a time when we can least afford it.
Jason Bross
Pinning Down Autism
I am appalled at the apparent cowardice and outright dishonesty that lie just beneath the surface of the recent decision to drop the University of Oregon Wrestling program. Like many others, I am committed to help those on the front lines (the Oregon wrestling community) in whatever way I can. Please add me to any organized mailing lists or any other effort.
As Dan Gable is often quoted, “America Needs Wrestling”! The “leadership” at the University of Oregon is apparently too short-sighted to recognize this basic truth…let us all band together to help them see more clearly!!!
R.J. Scott
Pocatello, Idaho
Come on Seriously just let the program stay. Wrestling does not just mean sweaty guys rolling around it makes better people out of kids that start to head the wrong direction let the program stay. Its only the right thing to do.
Fresno State is making progress in its fight and I believe Oregon can also make progress. Keep the fight and if there is anything I can do you can always contact us!
All of you that have wrestled or know wrestlers, please take the time to write the A.D at the U of O. Not that it will do any good immediatley, but what we need right now is numbers. We need to keep the pressure on, because it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. The clock is ticking. My son has benefitted from the U of O Wrestling Camps, as have the other members of the wrestling community. Please take a few minutes of your valuable time and pen a note, e-mail, or type a letter to try and save this program before it is snuffed out.
I believe saving Oregon wrestling is not a lost cause. I was on a committee called the Utah Amateur Wrestling Foundation. We tried to save BYU wrestling but as those efforts failed we worked hard to help bring college wrestling back to Utah via Utah Valley State College (UVSC). I am grateful to the visionary leadership of that institution as this decision has postively impacted so many people. It is hoped that those forces that ultimately have the power to make this decision will listen to both the number and diversity of voices that are speaking up to save Oregon Wrestling. They will soon see that the Oregon wrestling community extends well beyond Eugene, Oregon. So many are saddened and devastated by this possible decision–I say possible because it is hoped that those making this decision will do the right thing. As a veteran high school wrestling coach, we need to expand opportunities for our young men, not eliminate them. I’ve also coached golf, football and baseball but I believe wrestling is the best overall sport in molding positive character, accountability and discipline in young men. Please listen to all these people and Save Oregon Wrestling. As my legendary high school wrestling coach and father would often say, “this many people can’t be wrong!”
Its disappointing that they cut the program. However, I think they did a good job of keeping it quiet, until the plan was in motion. Its sickening! I would personally like to write a letter to the A.D. I don’t know who the hell he thinks he is, he’s probably not sure if the U of O is in Oregon or Corvallis. Could someone please post his address? Garbage!!! Here is a few words of wisdom for the people who want to keep this sport alive; Don’t sit around and bitch, get involved, contribute back to wrestling. Actions speak louder than words. Coach a program and get your kids to college wrestling programs.
There are so many great wrestliers out west here but are find it harder and harder to find a college that has a wrestling program. U of O AD needs to grow a pair and not let wrestling go. This sport gave alot to me and would hate for someone to miss out on a great experince.
you cant cancel the progam. many people depend on it and enjoy it. my friend kyle bounds got a 4 year scholarship for wrestling.
thank you
Wrestling is the worlds oldest and greatest sport. It is slowly dying and with all the new rules and regulations people are loosing interest. With oregon getting rid of their wrestling program it puts wrestling that much closer to instinction. In the north west BSU is going to be the only school with wrestling and there are alot of talented athletes that could wrestle post high school. As a community we need to work together to try and save a wonderful sport that helps athletes in all of lifes aspects.
Wrestling has been a part of education for over 2,500 years. Socrates said, “I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler.” Yesterday former Cresco (IA) high school and University of Minnesota wrestler, Dr. Norman Borlaug became only the fifth person in history to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the others being Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa, Elie Wiesel and Nelson Mandela).
The University’s decision ignores the value the sport has to those who participate, those who support and those who benefit from the values learned by its’ participants.
Wrestling is the best and most challenging sport in the world. It would upset lots of people to get rid of it.
I am saddened by the decision to limit opportunities for all of the young wrestlers that have dreamed of wrestling for our great state through the University of Oregon program. We have a great tradition in this state in the sport of wrestling.
University of Oregon could have been an institution that did not follow the trends of other schools by cutting to stay in line with title IX. They could have seen the tremendous opportunity to add opportunities. I believe our state would have celebrated, applauded and supported their decision to grow the athletic program and provide more opportunities for young people to compete at a Division 1 level without cutting a program with a long, rich history.
This decision was not forward thinking. I hope that they will take another look and do the right thing: SAVE OREGON WRESTLING!
I have three young sons that experienced wrestling while in grade school. While none of them pursued this sport, my nephew Kyle Bounds did and has become nationally recognized. Wrestling, along with his strong family values, has made Kyle known not only as a top notch wrestler but, also as a young man who is principled! Now is the time for The University of Oregon to stand by principle and continue with a successful wrestling program.
Wrestling,
Is an awesome sport. Even people who do not know anything about it. Will come up to me and tell me of the men that they have met that use to be wrestlers. They tell me of the character that is portrayed by these men. The great leadership skills that has been instilled in them. We men need wrestling and wrestling needs us. Re-instate oregon wrestling! Our country depends on the next generation of leaders that will come from the sport. There is absolutely no substitute for victory! Gen. Douglas Mcauthor
IF IT WASN’t for wrestling i would never have finished highschool.wrestling got me through college back in the early eighties also.im sure im not the only person that can say this.MY THREE BOYS ALL WRESTLE AND LOVE IT.
With all the sad corruption in sport today it is refreshing to know a character-building not destroying sport – wrestling, still exists in this world. It, and God got me through 2 and 1/2 months in intensive care and protective burn care units and a paraplegic life.
Greg Munch
Thank you for sharing!
What does R.J. stand for?