We went in and spoke with the AD and President a few years ago. Money is always a factor in college sports and that is a consistent no matter the school or sport. There is also a long list of other factors that can green light or red light an opportunity. Some of you in the community may know a bit about the inter workings of getting a program back, but please let me explain.

First thing is having an open minded AD or President which gets you in the door to have a conversation. At the time we went in both the Central AD and President had a history of some sort with wrestling, I believe one was a state champ and the other a varsity wrestler. That there would usually give a huge boost in the possibility of getting a program back, so you would think.

Next is financial. This is not rocket science. Based on similar size schools, geography, etc. there are spot on comparison budgets that all other schools are using that can be presented. The question asked is how does the school build support rapidly to bring in funds to support it. The answer is a few fold:

- endowment
- estimated fan capacity at events/door funds
- donations, directly or 3rd party
- hire recognized coaches to bring high end wrestlers in.
- fundraising
- will fans across the state show up for matches
- local and national press coverage
- ability to get all the top local (Northwest) wrestlers there for local support
- Travel cost and transportation options (local airports, etc.)

From the list above you can see 85% is financial based.

Central has a long history of wrestling. They have existing gyms, locker rooms, parking. There are ample hotels and restaurants to support incoming guests. The lights are on and water is already running. The cost of 2 new mats and gear is 30K. Head Coaches salary 75K-ish and 2 asst coaches salary 50K each (minimum). With Title IX not being an issue and women's wrestling the fastest growing sport in the country, that alone should get some attention especially in the NW where we are very successful.

By the end of the conversation it was well noted that the football and baseball programs were their only concern as far as sports goes, then of course they brought in Rugby. Similar how to Boise State insisted on outing the wrestling program and other sports for their new baseball idea/team/stadium/whatever. Tens of millions lost and not only did the baseball idea go down in flames but wrestling and other sports are done with. Even UW brought in beach volleyball to Seattle...are you kidding me? The cost of sand and maintenance of said sport is ridiculous compared to keeping mats clean and storing them.

It really boils down to having an account with 6 figures in it and a long term viable plan for continued financial support the school won't have to pay for when you walk into and AD's office and hope he/she is willing to see both a men's and women's program simultaneously.

As wrestling fans we would like to think and hope a school would come out and say hey, we want a wrestling program that we will fund and support. In reality it's just us fans and supporters trying to come up with ideas to make them want one. It's a tough battle!