Graphic courtesy of the @SaveStanford Twitter.
The wrestling world shared in collective joy earlier this week when it was announced that the Stanford wrestling program, along with 10 other varsity sports, would not be cut before next season.
While it is fantastic that a tradition-rich and successful program, like Stanford wrestling, wasn't cut, it does warrant pondering the following question: Was serious damage was already done to the Cardinal wrestling program by the 10-month-long threat of cancellation?
Time to take a deeper dive into the current circumstances of Stanford wrestling.
No Head Coach
In April, then-Stanford head coach Jason Borelli left Palo Alto after 13 years at the helm to take over the American University program. That said, any head coaching job at the Division I level, including Stanford, can and will be filled. And, at a Power Five school in a California climate, I'm sure the role will attract many suitors. However, candidates may be cautious of the job given the turmoil that has ensued over the last year.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the Cardinal promote from within and hire one of its three current assistants in Rob Blake, Alex Tirapelle, or Kerry McCoy. The question is, would any of these three want to stay? After everything these three have dealt with over the last 10 months, it would not surprise me if all three felt the need to move on. Time will tell if the tense relationship between the current coaching staff and the university administration can be salvaged. Blake was tight-lipped about his next move on FloWrestling Radio Live earlier this week.
Limited Roster Depth
Regardless of who the incumbent to the Stanford wrestling program is, they will likely be short-handed with regard to student-athletes. Not only is roughly one-third of the total roster currently in the transfer portal, but most of those now in the portal are Stanford starters and immensely talented ones at that.
Wrestlers, too, just like their coaches, must decide if this rapidly decaying relationship between student-athletes and the broader Stanford administration is beyond repair. While Stanford is an exceptional academic institution with benefits that extend far beyond the wrestling mat, it's risky for athletes to stay in a situation with less than supportive circumstances and administrators. I would not be surprised to see most Stanford wrestlers follow through with their intent to transfer before next season.
To that end, some athletes, including Real Woods, Shane Griffith, and others, have already accelerated their academic clocks to graduate as early as possible. With that, these athletes may not be able to stretch out or slow their academic progress to stay in Palo Alto.
Concerning new recruits, Stanford is now very far behind the eight ball. As Stanford associate head coach Rob Blake stated earlier this week on FloWrestling Radio Live, he hasn't been on the recruiting trail for the Stanford Cardinal in nearly a year.
This recruiting issue can be fixed in due time, but with about five months until the 2021-22 regular season is underway, the Stanford roster will be thin heading into next season. The Cardinal will have zero incoming freshmen recruits and may lose a sizeable chunk of its current starting lineup.
Still...No Real Reason Given For The Cut
Arguably, the most troubling aspect of this situation was that no real justification was given as to why wrestling was on the chopping block to begin with. Stanford has had plenty of success on the mat during the Borelli-era. Similarly, according to Blake, Stanford wrestlers routinely earned NCAA academic progress rate recognition for their high marks in the classroom over the last decade. The team reportedly had close to a 3.5 cumulative team GPA.
The biggest issue was that wrestling was not, and still is, not a fully-endowed program. Additionally, wrestling is not a program that generates serious revenue like football and basketball.
Looking Forward
Stanford is a phenomenal school. As a student-athlete (and a regular student, for that matter), there are plenty of reasons to choose to attend Stanford. But if you are a high school wrestler currently, I believe you might think twice about committing to grapple for the Stanford Cardinal.
Although the administration reversed its ruling in the end, these last 10 months have shown that the wrestling program, and 10 others, don't exactly have the administration's unwavering support.
While many different entities, organizations, and groups deserve credit for their tireless efforts to #SAveStanfordWrestling, the work to rebuild the damage done to the program over the last 10 months is just beginning.
Not only will Stanford have to re-recruit its own roster, but also their fundraising efforts will have to continue and intensify to be able to keep the program funded in perpetuity.
The primary question that persists: With so much uncertainty currently surrounding wrestling in Palo Alto at this juncture, would you feel comfortable, welcomed, and supported being a Stanford wrestler?
I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable, welcomed, and supported being a Stanford wrestler – even after the Herculean advocacy efforts put forth by Stanford, its administration, alumni, donors, and the entire wrestling community to ultimately #SaveStanfordWrestling.
It will take time to rebuild, but I believe Stanford will overcome, put this mess behind them, and be back to where they were within the next three to five seasons. But serious damage was done with this mess.
Regardless, wrestling is back at The Farm and that's cause for celebration.
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