Longwood to Discontinue Intercollegiate Wrestling

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Greg Prouty (Longwood Sports Information)
11/07/2000


Longwood To Discontinue Intercollegiate Wrestling    FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood College announced today that it will discontinue intercollegiate wrestling at the conclusion of this season. According to Director of Athletics Don Lemish, this decision has been under study since a Division I Strategic Plan was approved in 1999.    "We do not see appropriate competition in the sport (wrestling) relative to the institutions and possible conference affiliations we have targeted in our athletic future," said Lemish.  "I sincerely regret ever having to discontinue a sport; however, we will add men's and women's cross country by 2002, giving us a net gain of one sport and meeting the NCAA Division I minimum of 14 sports."    Lemish further emphasized that all current wrestlers will maintain their athletic scholarships through completion of their normal eligibility if they decide to remain at Longwood.  Also, Coach Brent Newell has been offered a continuing position in the athletic department, said Lemish.  The college and athletic department will work diligently with any wrestlers wishing to transfer to other institutions offering wrestling as an intercollegiate sport.    Coach Newell said, "I am disappointed but I understand the reasons for the decision.  Right now I am interested in helping my wrestlers determine the best for their futures."    While not willing to identify institutions, Lemish indicated that he has been advised there are other Division I programs in the region also reviewing the status of their wrestling teams.