Old Dominion, a public university in Norfolk, Virginia, announced in a statement that it would be cutting its wrestling program effective immediately.

Director of Athletics, Dr. Camden Wood Selig commented:

We are saddened to have to make this decision, but it's one that was made with the long-term best interest of the athletics program in mind. No one wants to reduce opportunities for young men to compete and represent Old Dominion, but we are required to be responsible with departmental resources. Our decision became even more clear during this coronavirus crisis, which we know will have significant impact on future athletics budgets. This decision will better allow the remaining sports to compete at a national level.

Head Coach Steve Martin, who just completed his 16th season at Old Dominion, also issued a statement on the news:

I would like to thank President Broderick and Wood Selig for the support of the wrestling program over my 16-year career at ODU. I understand these are challenging times for everyone, not only in athletics, but in every walk of life.



I care a great deal about the student-athletes and coaches in the wrestling program at ODU, and I'm committed to work with each one of them to assist them during this transition. I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish over my tenure in the wrestling program, on the mat, but more importantly, off the mat as we were able to use the sport of wrestling to propel many young men into distinguished professional careers.

The Monarchs have regularly produced All-Americans at the NCAA Championships. Most recently, Larry Early finished 8th at the 2019 NCAA Championships last season.

Old Dominion finished 6th of 13 teams at the MAC Championships and qualified 4 wrestlers for the 2020 NCAA Championships that were canceled due to COVID-19.

ODU's four NCAA Qualifiers this season were Killian Cardinale at 125, Sa'Derian Perry at 141, Larry Early at 157, and Antonio Agee at 184. Both Perry and Early have earned All-American honors in previous seasons.