Ohio State coach Tom Ryan calls for Cleveland State to save wrestling program

Ohio State wrestling coach Tom Ryan called for Cleveland State to save its wrestling program during the Buckeyes’ dual against Michigan Saturday.

CSU announced its plan to cut wrestling, women’s golf and softball amid an athletics budget cut in late January. Ryan doesn’t want to see another wrestling program go by the wayside.

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So as Ohio State returned after intermission in their win over Michigan in Ann Arbor, Ryan spoke with Big Ten Network ahead of the second half. But he pivoted and sent a message.

“I know we’re talking about the team and the dual right now but I’m gonna give a shout out to Cleveland State,” Ryan said. “Everybody watching, Cleveland State dropped the wrestling program. We have to do all we can to make sure that program gets saved.”

Listen to legendary Ohio State Wrestling coach Tom Ryan (@Buckeye158), who used his halftime interview not to speak about his team in the midst of a massive rivalry matchup, but to advocate for @CSUWrestling and @JoshMoore133 in the wake of the BoT's devastating decision to… pic.twitter.com/LueNyD0RRI

— Saturday Night Lights Wrestling (@WrestlingSNL) February 2, 2025

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

“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.”

Ryan wasn’t the only one calling for the program to be saved. Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, who wrestled for Cleveland State, did the same.

“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!”