Helping a smaller PA program

Coastal2

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2025
893
2,878
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I mentioned in another thread about helping a Pennsylvania wrestling program and there seemed to be some interest.

The idea would be to purchase a group of season tickets that we could distribute to local wrestling programs who could then attend a match. We would also donate financially. An extra $25 dollars by an individual isn't going to make a huge difference to Penn State but could impact some schools who operate on a shoe string.

The first order would be to pick a program. Either Bloomsburg, Clarion, Edinboro, or Mercyhurst would be my suggestions as each have their positives. I excluded Lock Haven as they seem to be holding their own but am open to other suggestions.

Bloomsburg - a sacrificial lamb for Penn State this season. Supporting them would be a show of support for opponents

Clarion - struggling with enrollment and finances.

Edinboro - has some fairly recent success

Mercyhurst - a recent DI move up and just added a women's team.
 
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mhs103

Redshirt
Jan 26, 2020
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I mentioned in another thread about helping a Pennsylvania wrestling program and there seemed to be some interest.

The idea would be to purchase a group of season tickets that we could distribute to local wrestling programs who could then attend a match. We would also donate financially. An extra $25 dollars by an individual isn't going to make a huge difference to Penn State but could impact some schools who operate on a shoe string.

The first order would be to pick a program. Either Bloomsburg, Clarion, Edinboro, or Mercyhurst would be my suggestions as each have their positives. I excluded Lock Haven as they seem to be holding their own but am open to other suggestions.

Bloomsburg - a sacrificial lamb for Penn State this season. Supporting them would be a show of support for opponents

Clarion - struggling with enrollment and finances.

Edinboro - has some fairly recent success

Mercyhurst - a recent DI move up and just added a women's team.
Great idea. Please provide ticket office info.
 

dicemen99

All-American
Nov 15, 2005
3,576
5,317
113
I mentioned in another thread about helping a Pennsylvania wrestling program and there seemed to be some interest.

The idea would be to purchase a group of season tickets that we could distribute to local wrestling programs who could then attend a match. We would also donate financially. An extra $25 dollars by an individual isn't going to make a huge difference to Penn State but could impact some schools who operate on a shoe string.

The first order would be to pick a program. Either Bloomsburg, Clarion, Edinboro, or Mercyhurst would be my suggestions as each have their positives. I excluded Lock Haven as they seem to be holding their own but am open to other suggestions.

Bloomsburg - a sacrificial lamb for Penn State this season. Supporting them would be a show of support for opponents

Clarion - struggling with enrollment and finances.

Edinboro - has some fairly recent success

Mercyhurst - a recent DI move up and just added a women's team.
Great idea! I think Bloom or Clarion - they probably could use the help the most.

I vote Bloom as a payback for the countless hours of entertainment afforded me between the frats and the coeds on my many trips there to meet my buddies from HS while I was in undergrad. Sleeping in an unfinished crawspace above a frat bedroom was never so fun!
 

Coastal2

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2025
893
2,878
93
I am going to give until this weekend so everyone can weigh in with their opinion.

We'll then contact the coach of the school to let them know what we're doing, contact the PJW Area chair to see if they'll give contact info for local programs for the tickets and I'll also link the straight donation page for whichever school we choose.

Maybe we support a different school each year or maybe we just pick one school and do it annually. Thoughts?
 

SRATH

All-American
May 29, 2001
3,146
6,308
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Cool idea. Both Edinboro and Mercyhurst have women’s programs, which puts them ahead of the other two…….in my mind. Of course I’m Erie County biased
 

dicemen99

All-American
Nov 15, 2005
3,576
5,317
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Cool idea. Both Edinboro and Mercyhurst have women’s programs, which puts them ahead of the other two…….in my mind. Of course I’m Erie County biased
IDK, the fact that they both have girls programs shows that there is more of an administrative commitment to wrestling - at least in my mind. I’d rather donate directly to a program that may need some momentum in hopes it is a small step towards putting their program on more solid footing.

At least that’s how I see it. Bloom got my vote, but Clarion would be my #2. I’d say we institute ranked voting and see what happens.
 
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Coastal2

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2025
893
2,878
93
IDK, the fact that they both have girls programs shows that there is more of an administrative commitment to wrestling - at least in my mind. I’d rather donate directly to a program that may need some momentum in hopes it is a small step towards putting their program on more solid footing.

At least that’s how I see it. Bloom got my vote, but Clarion would be my #2. I’d say we institute ranked voting and see what happens.
Ranking is a really good idea.

Everyone please comment with your first choice and second choice.
 

Nitlion1986

All-American
Apr 13, 2024
1,998
5,838
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IDK, the fact that they both have girls programs shows that there is more of an administrative commitment to wrestling - at least in my mind. I’d rather donate directly to a program that may need some momentum in hopes it is a small step towards putting their program on more solid footing.

At least that’s how I see it. Bloom got my vote, but Clarion would be my #2. I’d say we institute ranked voting and see what happens.
I already buy season tickets to LHU and give the tickets away. I would actually suggest F&M or Millersville.
 

BigFella235

Senior
Aug 13, 2021
241
752
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I know Edinboro already does a bunch of local outreach events for wrestling (e.g. youth night, mat side socials, etc.). Getting AJ back has helped their lightweights get competitive again.

Mercyhurst is starting their first season at D1 this year. They’re probably gonna be down for a few years until they get a steady stream of talent coming in. Jimmy Overhiser has his work cut out for him too with Gannon across town and Boro a short drive away.

Clarion is back in a lull. They have some decent kids, but they’re far removed from the AA threats they had with Bekzod, Zacherl, and even Feldkamp.

A DII program to consider is Slippery Rock. They’ll be starting competition next season after a ton of hard work to bring the program back from the dead.

If you need to get ahold of the PJW All Area chairman, let me know. I’ve known him for years and he’s a family friend of my wife’s.
 
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Coastal2

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2025
893
2,878
93
After looking a little bit, Bloomsburg doesn't have season tickets, they are only available at the door.

And Slippery Rock would be a viable option also. Michigan announces the Slippery Rock scores at their football games so we might be able to get some of their fans involved in donating also. They don't start until next season so the ticket giveaway would be impossible for this year.
 
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