Stipe Miocic on Cleveland State cutting wrestling: 'Let's save the program'

Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic broke his silence on Cleveland State’s announcement to cut the wrestling program and other sports.

CSU announced the removal of wrestling, women’s golf and softball amid a reduction of the athletics budget. Safe to say, the news wasn’t met with a positive reaction.

Especially those in the wrestling community, many were shocked and angry over wrestling’s elimination. Miocic, a former Cleveland State record, took to social media.

“I’m sick to my stomach and heartbroken for these young men and coaches,” Miocic wrote on Twitter. “One of the oldest sports at Cleveland State University—wrestling—is being cut. As a former wrestler at CSU, this program was a huge chapter of my life and shaped me into the person I am today. I’ll always cherish what it gave me. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this decision. I hope there’s still time to make a difference and save this incredible program. Let’s save the program!”

Miocic wrestled for three years at Cleveland State, qualifying for the 2003 NCAA Championships. He chose to focus on baseball his final year of eligibility before transitioning to a Hall of Fame MMA career.

Cleveland State athletic director Kelsi Gory Harkey released a statement regarding the decision to remove wrestling, women’s golf and softball.

Stipe Miocic calls for Cleveland State to save wrestling

“It is a tough day for Cleveland State Athletics,” she said. “The student-athletes and coaches in the impacted programs have been an important part of the (CSU) community, and the decision today is not a reflection of the commitment or passion they, our staff or our alumni have to our program.” She added that CSU will be doing everything it can to assist and support the student-athletes in deciding what is best for them to meet their academic and athletic needs.

“Cleveland State has no plans to discontinue any of its remaining 15 athletic programs. CSU is an active, engaged member of the Horizon League athletic conference and is committed to participating in Division I Athletics.”

Current Cleveland State wrestler Joey Lyons recently organized a GoFundMe page for the program, which has received over $6,000 in donations through the weekend.

Following the announcement, CSU beat Bloomsburg and Clarion the next day, a valiant response to the decision.

Cleveland State has had an NCAA qualifier every year, sans 2023, since 1965 and last had an All-American in 2020 with Evan Check (141 pounds).