PSU Athletics, You're Being Left Behind

[Tom McAndrew]

I know money is an issue, as is facilities. But women's wrestling is exploding, and PSU, by virtue of its dominance in men's wrestling, and its location in PA, is in a perfect situation to take the leap, and become a leader in the sport. The University of Iowa has taken steps to make themselves for women's college wrestling what PSU could be.

Perhaps the Penn State Wrestling Club could give PSU a nudge.

 

[headlock_]

I know money is an issue, as is facilities. But women's wrestling is exploding, and PSU, by virtue of its dominance in men's wrestling, and its location in PA, is in a perfect situation to take the leap, and become a leader in the sport. Iowa has positioned themselves perfectly for this sport.

Perhaps the Penn State Wrestling Club could give PSU a nudge.

Excellent point Tom. Title IX suggests this move to be a smart decision before a challenge comes forward. Our women deserve this even if belatedly.

 

[J.E.B]

I know... don't get it with PSU unless they are allowing everyone else to cut their teeth and then they swoop in and join the crowd after lessons have been learned.

 

[manatree]

It’s all about the money. Short of a donation, I don’t see Penn State adding it as long as they are confident that they are in compliance with Title IX. Let’s not forget that the main reason that Iowa started a women’s program was to settle a Title IX lawsuit after they announced that they were cutting women’s swimming, not because they thought it was the right thing to do.

Also, the argument could be made that there are current women’s club sports like rugby that deserve to be made varsity before wrestling.

>>edit<< Lest Hawkeyes accuse me of besmirching their motives....
University Of Iowa Establishes Women's Wrestling As Part Of Title IX Lawsuit Settlement
Iowa Public Radio | By Kate Payne
Published September 24, 2021 at 10:48 AM CDT

“Were it not for the Title IX lawsuit, I wasn't ready to add women's wrestling yet,” Barta said. “But I can tell you that while the timing may be challenging, the decision is awesome. We're excited about it. And we're ready to go…go forward.”

Don't get me wrong, I think wrestling is a great sport for men and women, I just don't see PSU adding it without a financial incentive to do so. Would love to be proven wrong.

 

[Bob78]

From what I understand, PSU is fine with Title IX, and doesn't need to add a women's varsity sport or delete a men's to comply. In fact, they did not need to add women's ice hockey back when to comply, but some folks internally advocated for it and that prevailed.

There was also some discussion about elevating women's rugby to varsity status at that time, instead of adding ice hockey, as another avenue to strengthen the Title IX standing. PSU Women's Rugby has a long history of success and probably deserves more attention from PSU sports fans like me.

Also, note that both men's and women's Rugby are Team Sports at PSU, which is a distinction from Club and Varsity sports. Has to do with overall funding, but I don't know the details. They are the only 2 Team sports at PSU.

Many varsity sports at PSU have Club equivalents, and some have higher and lower levels of Club teams. Men's ice hockey was always the most recognized and publicized due to their incredible 2 decade run of success and popularity under Joe Battista.

 

[manatree]

Also, note that both men's and women's Rugby are Team Sports at PSU, which is a distinction from Club and Varsity sports. Has to do with overall funding, but I don't know the details. They are the only 2 Team sports at PSU.

Thanks for the bit of clarification.

 

[furrdogg]

Maybe we should drop a current sport that’s not good and dominate women’s wrestling.