Bring back BSU Wrestling

Proposal to Reinstate the Boise State University Wrestling Program
Purpose

The purpose of this proposal is to encourage Boise State University to evaluate and pursue the reinstatement of its NCAA wrestling program. Over the past decade, wrestling has experienced significant national growth in participation, viewership, and institutional support. Reinstating wrestling would align Boise State Athletics with one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States while providing new opportunities for student-athletes across the region.

Background

Boise State University previously sponsored a Division I wrestling program that produced competitive teams and helped build a strong wrestling culture throughout Idaho and the surrounding region. When the program was discontinued in 2017, it left a significant gap in Division I wrestling opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.

Idaho has long been known for producing high-level wrestlers, yet many athletes from Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming must now leave the region to compete at the Division I level.

Reinstating the Boise State wrestling program would help restore regional access to high-level collegiate competition and reestablish a proud athletic tradition at the university.

National Growth of Wrestling

The sport of wrestling has seen exceptional growth over the past decade at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels.

Key statistics include:

- 374,278 high school wrestlers participated nationwide during the 2024–2025 school year according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
- Girls’ wrestling is the fastest-growing high school sport in America, with more than 74,000 female wrestlers now competing nationwide.
- Over 36 states now host official girls’ state wrestling championships, a dramatic increase from just a handful a decade ago.
- USA Wrestling membership surpassed 345,000 athletes, the highest total in the organization’s history.
- Youth wrestling clubs and regional tournaments continue to expand rapidly across the country.

Despite these increases in participation, the number of NCAA Division I wrestling programs has remained relatively stagnant. This creates a shortage of collegiate opportunities for talented athletes seeking to compete at the highest level.

Boise State has the opportunity to help address this demand while strengthening its athletic profile.

Regional Opportunity

The Pacific Northwest is a strong wrestling region with a deep pool of talent. However, Division I wrestling opportunities remain limited.

Reinstating Boise State wrestling would:

- Provide Division I opportunities for athletes from Idaho and surrounding states
- Strengthen recruiting pipelines within the region
- Increase engagement with youth wrestling clubs and high school programs
- Enhance Boise State’s visibility within one of the nation’s most passionate wrestling communities

Idaho high school wrestling continues to produce state champions, nationally ranked athletes, and Fargo All-Americans each year. Many of these athletes currently leave the state to pursue their collegiate careers.

A Boise State program would allow these athletes to represent their home state at the highest level.

Community and Alumni Support

Wrestling communities are known for strong grassroots support and loyal alumni engagement. Across the country, reinstated programs have successfully leveraged:

- Booster clubs
- Private donations
- Alumni fundraising campaigns
- Corporate sponsorships
- Community wrestling events and camps

The Boise and Treasure Valley wrestling communities have historically demonstrated strong support for the sport and would likely play a significant role in helping rebuild the program.

Benefits to Boise State University

Reinstating wrestling would provide multiple benefits to Boise State Athletics:

- Expanded athletic opportunities for student-athletes
- Increased engagement with youth and high school communities
- Strengthened alumni connections
- National exposure through NCAA wrestling events and media coverage
- Potential growth in women’s wrestling opportunities in the future

Wrestling embodies values that align closely with Boise State’s culture—discipline, resilience, work ethic, and academic commitment.

Next Steps

We respectfully encourage Boise State Athletics to:

1. Conduct a feasibility study on reinstating the wrestling program
2. Engage alumni and community stakeholders in fundraising discussions
3. Explore partnerships with wrestling organizations and donors
4. Evaluate facilities and operational requirements
5. Develop a phased plan to bring Boise State wrestling back to NCAA competition

Conclusion

Wrestling in the United States is experiencing unprecedented growth. Participation numbers are rising, youth engagement is stronger than ever, and the demand for collegiate opportunities continues to increase.

Reinstating the Boise State wrestling program would not only restore a proud tradition but also position the university as a leader in supporting one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.

With the right vision, community support, and institutional leadership, Boise State wrestling can once again become a source of pride for the university and the state of Idaho.

We respectfully ask Boise State Athletics to consider this proposal and begin the process of evaluating the return of Bronco Wrestling.