Cal Poly Humboldt Begins Efforts to Add Men's Wrestling Program for the 2024-25 Academic Year
Drew Gwerder
ARCATA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt has announced efforts to add men's wrestling as an intercollegiate sport within the athletics department, and expects to begin competing in the winter of the 2024-25 academic year. This exciting expansion reflects the university's commitment to providing diverse athletic opportunities and promoting the growth of student-athletes.
Cal Poly Humboldt becomes only the second NCAA Division II men's wrestling program, along with San Francisco State University, in the 23-campus California State University system.
President Jackson of Cal Poly Humboldt expressed his enthusiasm for this development, stating, "We are excited by the opportunity to bring men's wrestling back to Cal Poly Humboldt. This addition will further enhance our athletic offerings and create a fantastic opportunity for student-athletes to excel both on and off the mat. Wrestling is a sport that requires discipline, resilience, and teamwork, and we look forward to supporting our student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence."
The University intends to hire a consultant, and later a coach, to develop the plans of building the men's wrestling program and to confirm staffing and athletic competition opportunities, including a conference affiliation for the 2024-25 season.
The Lumberjacks have a rich, storied history of wrestling. The program launched in 1959 and flourished under the legendary late coach Frank Cheek, the all-time winningest coach in Humboldt history.
Cheek's tenure at Humboldt State began in 1969, when he joined the staff as wrestling coach. During 20 seasons as head wrestling coach, Cheek saw his athletes win more than 250 matches, and 46 of them achieved NCAA All-American status. Five Lumberjacks claimed individual national championships, leading to Cheek's induction into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame. Frank Cheek also became the Northern California Athletic Conference's and Humboldt State's most victorious coach. Due to budget considerations and the withdrawal of several conference members from the sport, Humboldt dropped intercollegiate wrestling.
Building upon a successful wrestling history and responding to strong interest from Athletics boosters, the University plans to establish a premier NCAA Division II program that will compete nationwide. Donor support is still greatly appreciated. Please contact Stacie Lyans at stacie.lyans@humboldt.edu for more information on fundraising.
Following women's triathlon, men's wrestling marks the second new sports program in the last three years at Cal Poly Humboldt. Other new programs still under consideration remain Rodeo, Baseball, and Women's Golf.
Prospective student-athletes interested in joining the men's wrestling program at Cal Poly Humboldt are encouraged to reach out to the Athletics Department for more information. Please visit humboldtathletics.com and follow us on all social media platforms.
