Albright College Announces Approval of Men’s and Women’s Wrestling Teams, Expands Commitment to Student Experience

from Albright College

Albright College is excited to announce the creation of a new men’s wrestling team, set to begin in the fall of 2025, and a new women’s wrestling team, set to begin in the fall of 2026. This new initiative is part of the College’s commitment to responding to evolving student needs, enriching the student experience, and offering more diverse athletic opportunities. The decision was approved by the College’s Board of Trustees and further enhances Albright’s investment in the total student experience, both academically and athletically.

As a member of NCAA Division III, Albright College has long prided itself on fostering a student-centered approach to athletics, where academic success and athletic achievement go hand in hand. The creation of the Men’s and Women’s wrestling teams reflects the College’s ongoing efforts to respond to the interests and passions of its students while providing them with an inclusive and dynamic collegiate experience. Albright is committed to preparing students for life beyond the classroom, and athletics play an integral role in shaping leadership skills, perseverance, teamwork, and discipline. These lessons, learned on the mat, are vital tools for personal and professional growth.

“As we work to adapt to the changing needs of students, we recognize that wrestling has once again become the kind of program that reinforces many of the lessons learned in the classroom while creating a sense of belonging for our student-athletes,” said Dr. Debra M. Townsley, Interim President of Albright College. “We are grateful for the feedback we received from our students, who asked us to explore this program, and for the leadership of our Athletic Director Rick Ferry in championing this new initiative. This program is part of a larger focus on expanding our athletic offerings to enhance the student experience, foster personal growth, and create opportunities for student-athletes to excel in and out of the classroom.”

Albright previously offered wrestling from 1957 to 2006. The College plans to build a comprehensive, competitive program designed to compete at the highest levels of NCAA Division III athletics. A national search for a head coach will begin this week. The new coach will be tasked with recruiting student-athletes, building a cohesive and competitive team, and shaping the future of wrestling at Albright.

In addition to the search for a head coach, the College is exploring potential new facilities to support the growing needs of the wrestling program, ensuring that student-athletes have access to state-of-the-art training spaces. These efforts align with Albright’s commitment to continuously evolve and provide a world-class experience for all students, regardless of their area of interest or discipline.

“We are excited to launch this new program on the heels of the announcement of a new STUNT Team at Albright, which is another step in aligning Albright College with the interests and needs of today’s students,” said Albright College Director of Athletics, Rick Ferry. “The new program will allow us to enhance our athletic offerings and respond to the growing demand for more opportunities to compete at a high level. We are confident that the wrestling program will be a vital part of the Albright experience, providing valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and hard work.”

Albright College’s commitment to supporting its student-athletes is part of a larger vision to foster holistic development, both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. The College recognizes that the student experience extends far beyond academics, and athletic involvement is a critical aspect of student well-being and success. With this new addition to its athletic offerings, Albright is committed to providing opportunities for students to learn and grow through their involvement in sports and physical activity.

“Wrestling is more than just a sport; it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth,” said Ferry. “At Albright, we believe that students who participate in athletics develop a range of important life skills, from resilience to time management to collaboration. We are proud to offer this opportunity as part of our holistic approach to providing students with an education that enables them to live their best lives, both now and in the future.”

The creation of the wrestling program aligns with Albright’s core values of inclusivity, academic excellence, and community. As the College looks toward its future, the development of new athletic programs is just one example of how Albright is adapting to the needs of its students, responding to trends in higher education, and ensuring that students are fully supported on their paths to success.

For more information about Albright College and its athletic programs, visit www.albright.edu.

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Source: bctv