Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is leading efforts to save Cleveland State University’s wrestling program after the institution announced its elimination alongside women’s golf and softball as part of athletic budget cuts.
Miocic, who wrestled for three years at Cleveland State and qualified for the 2003 NCAA Championships, expressed his dismay on social media about the decision.
“I’m sick to my stomach and heartbroken for these young men and coaches,” Miocic wrote on Twitter. “One of the oldest sports at Cleveland State University—wrestling—is being cut. As a former wrestler at CSU, this program was a huge chapter of my life and shaped me into the person I am today. I’ll always cherish what it gave me. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this decision. I hope there’s still time to make a difference and save this incredible program. Let’s save the program!”
Cleveland State athletic director Kelsi Gory Harkey addressed the situation in a statement: “It is a tough day for Cleveland State Athletics. The student-athletes and coaches in the impacted programs have been an important part of the (CSU) community, and the decision today is not a reflection of the commitment or passion they, our staff or our alumni have to our program.”
Harkey assured that CSU would assist affected student-athletes in making decisions about their academic and athletic futures. She also confirmed that the university’s remaining 15 athletic programs would continue, emphasizing CSU’s commitment to Division I Athletics and the Horizon League conference.
The wrestling community has already begun mobilization efforts to save the program. Current Cleveland State wrestler Joey Lyons initiated a GoFundMe campaign that has garnered over $6,000 in donations through the weekend.
Showing remarkable resilience, the wrestling team responded to the news by defeating both Bloomsburg and Clarion the following day. The program boasts a strong legacy, having produced NCAA qualifiers every year since 1965, except for 2023, and most recently celebrated an All-American in 2020 with Evan Check at 141 pounds.
