This past month, Norfolk State University partnering with HBCU Wrestling Initiative (HBCUW), held its inaugural wrestling clinic with over 120 men and women participants. The two day event held at the end of June, consisted of two clinics that were coached by Spartan alumni and wrestlers with HBCU Wrestling.
NSU President (Left) Dr. Javaune Adams-Gatson with participants. Credit: NSU Facebook
The purpose of this clinic was to spark interest of the upcoming generation in the area to consider wrestling and to provide an HBCU accessibility point in this sport. Norfolk State University has roots and a rich history with wrestling, with their program competing at a Division II level at one point. This program was full of success and produced several All-American collegiate athletes who also graduated and became successful in other professional endeavors. It wasn’t until 1998 that NSU dropped their wrestling program.
According to HBCU Wrestling, “The Norfolk State Wrestling Clinic represents a major step forward for the HBCU Wrestling Initiative and our mission to revive wrestling programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Jahi Jones, Executive Director of HBCU Wrestling. “The wrestling alumni at Norfolk State are excited; they are extraordinary leaders, and I’m privileged to be able to work with them and Norfolk State University to bring this opportunity to their alma mater. This clinic lays the groundwork for potential future wrestling programs in the region that can uplift communities through the sport.”
The HBCU Wrestling Initiative currently is combating an issue within the HBCU community. Over 100 HBCUs do not have a solid Division 1 wrestling program due to various factors such as financial support and resources. Wrestling programs can be seen as “expensive and difficult to maintain” making it difficult for HBCUs to adequately support a team.
HBCUs once had wrestling programs, “with more than ten existing at one point”. HBCU wrestling flourished, producing notable athletes like William “Bucky” Smith, the first Black student-athlete to win a DII championship in any sport and a DI runner-up in 1980.
As a result, many HBCUs began to drop wrestling programs between the late 80s and early 2000s. The trend continued over the years, and the last Division I program was dropped in the year of 2009.
For HBCUW, wrestling is more than just a sport, stating that wrestling is a sport that teaches discipline, determination, and perseverance, which are all qualities that are essential for success in any field. “Without the same opportunities as everyone else, it is difficult for black leaders to emerge.”
Proven to be true with NSU, several of the alumni wrestlers have proven to be successful beyond the mat. Kirwyn Adderley is the Director of Workforce Management in Orlando, FL for Walgreens, and oversees many operations supporting pharmacies and digital business across the nation. He was also recognized in 2014 when he was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Professional of the Year’ by the Society of Workforce Planning Professionals. Yet before this, he was a two-time All-American who placed 2nd in 1989 and 6th in 1988 at 134 lbs (Div II).
Charles “Chuck” Daniels was a two-time All-American who placed 3rd in 1995, and 5th in 1994 at 167 lbs (Div II). He decided to pursue service and became a CA Team Sergeant and Assistant Operations Sergeant. He also was a member of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program from 2001 to 2004. There are several notable alumni from NSU who wrestled and took the world by storm becoming doctors, ministers, business owners, philanthropists, and more! It is without doubt the principles instilled within them on the wrestling mat impacted them greatly later in life.
HBCUW plans to continue reaching HBCUs by hosting clinics at HBCUs across the nation to inspire students and faculty to return the cultural legacy of having HBCU wrestling teams. HBCUW also holds fundraisers to support black wrestlers across the nation as well. Their upcoming goal is to establish a “minimum of six” HBCU wrestling teams in the next five years, setting a fundraising goal of “18 million dollars” to charter these teams, and expand HBCU wrestling across the country for both men and women.
They have so far supported Morgan State University in aiding their growing wrestling program which held its first match in over 20 years against Mary Mount University this past fall. Working with other organizations like HBCUW, The Black Wrestling Association as well supported this initiative and worked hard to restore the legacy of black wrestlers across America at HBCUs and PWIs.
There is hope for the future of HBCU wrestling teams through the HBCU Wrestling Initiative. With more awareness, clinics, and support there will be more opportunities for students to choose an HBCU to continue their collegiate journey through wrestling, which will also provide an inclusive and cultural environment for them to thrive and to become successful beyond the mat. It is now up to the over 100 HBCUs to step up and partner with programs as such to restore wrestling teams, and understand that by working together, the funding, support, and players will all come together with action.
The group of wrestlers and participants ranging in various ages. Credit: NSU Facebook
