Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics

The Lumberjacks are planning on bringing back men’s wrestling and could compete on the mats again as early as the 2024/25 school year, the university announced on Monday.

According to a press release, “The University intends to hire a consultant, and later a coach, to develop the plans of building the men’s wrestling program and to confirm staffing and athletic competition opportunities, including a conference affiliation.”

If the program is added, Cal Poly Humboldt will become only the second NCAA Division II men’s wrestling program in the 23-campus California State University system, joining San Francisco State University.

“We are excited by the opportunity to bring men’s wrestling back to Cal Poly Humboldt,” university president Tom Jackson Jr. said. “This addition will further enhance our athletic offerings and create a fantastic opportunity for student-athletes to excel both on and off the mat. 

“Wrestling is a sport that requires discipline, resilience, and teamwork, and we look forward to supporting our student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence.”

Humboldt first competed in wrestling in 1952 and has a long and storied history in the sport, which flourished under legendary coach Frank Cheek, the all-time winningest coach in Humboldt history.

Cheek’s tenure at Humboldt began in 1969 and he enjoyed 20 very successful seasons as head coach of the wrestling team, guiding 46 of his grapplers to All-American status, including five national champions.

Due to budget considerations and the withdrawal of several conference members from the sport, Humboldt dropped intercollegiate wrestling in 1991.

If added, men’s wrestling could become the second new sports program in the last three years at Cal Poly Humboldt, following the recent addition of women’s triathlon.

According to the press release, “other new programs still under consideration remain rodeo, baseball and women’s golf.”

Prospective student-athletes interested in joining the men’s wrestling program at Cal Poly Humboldt are encouraged to reach out to the Athletics Department for more information.