We know that Stanford Wrestling was one of the 11 programs hit. They've been working hard at trying to save the program. They believe that the best way is to raise funds to include a Stanford Woman's wrestling program because of Title IX issues.
I believe all of the eliminated sports are working to try and save their sport at Stanford, but I'm most aware of the wrestling program.
Here's part of the letter they sent out:
"The first question we all asked ourselves was "Why?" And as we formed hypotheses on the why—not just the why disclosed in the announcement, but all of the unsaid whys that may lie lurking—we looked at who was involved in making the decision, and how. We set about gathering as much data as we could. The more information we can get on the who, how, and why, the better chance we have of convincing the right people to change their minds.
Here is what we know:
So that we are all in alignment, the strategy is clear: we will raise $30M to endow men’s and women’s wrestling at Stanford. We will do so while building a robust network of influencers across as many leverage points as possible. And we will set the precedent for the sustainable long-term financing model for Stanford Athletics.
What comes next? On Wednesday, August 19th (details below), the co-chairs will host an all-hands Zoom call. We will outline our strategy, take questions, and provide instructions on how everyone can contribute to the effort. Many of you have volunteered to assist in fundraising, communications and influence efforts, and we will provide clear guidance on how you can help."
Here's their Zoom meeting details on August 19
Join Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, August 19th at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81424128670?pwd=akRMK0ordGsrUmcwVnFCT3J0QXd5dz09
Meeting ID: 814 2412 8670
Passcode: 450972
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,81424128670#
So Stanford Wrestling will not fade away quietly.
I believe all of the eliminated sports are working to try and save their sport at Stanford, but I'm most aware of the wrestling program.
Here's part of the letter they sent out:
"The first question we all asked ourselves was "Why?" And as we formed hypotheses on the why—not just the why disclosed in the announcement, but all of the unsaid whys that may lie lurking—we looked at who was involved in making the decision, and how. We set about gathering as much data as we could. The more information we can get on the who, how, and why, the better chance we have of convincing the right people to change their minds.
Here is what we know:
- The Athletic Department has no interest in overturning any part of their decision with regard to wrestling or the other 10 sports. Therefore, we have no incentive to engage in presenting a strategy for their blessing. Our next conversation with them will be when we’ve raised an endowment. Even then, we will need to identify and leverage influence from above AD Muir (DAPER, BOT, President, Stanford Fund) and execute a compelling media campaign to win public support.
- We have intentionally chosen to “play nice”, sticking to addressing the published reasons for eliminating the program; keeping the tone of our statements positive, and; not engaging in public, antagonistic rhetoric. Our message is one of disappointment and sadness, but not anger and indignation (yet). This posture will shift, but only after we’ve built a case so strong that the AD looks objectively unreasonable for not retaining the program.
- University leadership is facing unprecedented pressures dealing with COVID-19 and the financial and operational chaos it has created. We should expect that reinstating the wrestling program is not high on their list of near-term priorities regardless of the merits of our proposal. With this in mind, we should choose wisely when, to whom, and how we present our solutions. Our time will come, and we will be ready.
- We must control our own destiny. There are benefits to coordinating our efforts with those fighting to reinstate the other 10 programs, and we are doing so as appropriate. The story of multiple programs raising substantial endowments is compelling to a national audience, beyond the boundaries of our individual sports. However, we cannot control others’ fundraising efforts or strategies, and their merits/claims for retaining varsity status may not align with our own.
- Nothing short of fully endowing the program will give us a chance of retaining the program. Therefore, efforts to survive on a lower budget or cover the next few seasons will not work. The number is $30 million, which endows the current operating budget and scholarships while adding women’s wrestling. We will ask for signed commitments ASAP, with funds to be collected upon confirmation that the program will remain intact. We will of course need an acceptable infrastructure in place to house and manage the endowment. Pledges can be paid all at once or by instalments over up to five years. We encourage all donors to maximize the size of their gift first, and to shorten the payment period where possible second.
- Our proposal must include the addition of women’s wrestling, either as a standalone program or in a co-ed format. Any chance at reinstatement depends on financial self-sufficiency and Title IX compliance. Developing women’s wrestling at Stanford a) is the right thing to do and is where the world is going, b) extends the reach and appeal of our fundraising efforts, and c) builds a long-term moat around the program in the event other women's sports are cut in the future.
So that we are all in alignment, the strategy is clear: we will raise $30M to endow men’s and women’s wrestling at Stanford. We will do so while building a robust network of influencers across as many leverage points as possible. And we will set the precedent for the sustainable long-term financing model for Stanford Athletics.
What comes next? On Wednesday, August 19th (details below), the co-chairs will host an all-hands Zoom call. We will outline our strategy, take questions, and provide instructions on how everyone can contribute to the effort. Many of you have volunteered to assist in fundraising, communications and influence efforts, and we will provide clear guidance on how you can help."
Here's their Zoom meeting details on August 19
Join Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, August 19th at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81424128670?pwd=akRMK0ordGsrUmcwVnFCT3J0QXd5dz09
Meeting ID: 814 2412 8670
Passcode: 450972
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,81424128670#
So Stanford Wrestling will not fade away quietly.
