"Albion College is always striving to provide a great educational experience, and athletics is part of that experience," said Dr. Johnson, who was a high school and college athlete. "With men's and women's wrestling as well as the rapidly growing esports, Albion will provide more opportunities for all those students who wish to participate."
The additions will bring to 24 the number of varsity sports sponsored by Albion -- 12 for men and 12 for women.
Albion last added a varsity sport in 2017 when the Western-style discipline was added in equestrian. In 2014, Albion added men's and women's indoor track and field.
"We are fortunate to have a rich athletic tradition that serves as a foundation in this next chapter as we bring back men's wrestling and welcome women's wrestling and esports," said Erik Braun, Albion's assistant athletic director.
Mike Moyer, president of the National Wrestling Coaches Association, was also thrilled with Albion's return to collegiate wrestling
"It's a real big deal," he said. "And it's an even bigger deal to do something bold like this during COVID-19. At the end of the day, we've seen this trend before COVID as many schools are experiencing declines in enrollment. What better way to turn it around than to offer activities that are important to students."
Men's wrestling, which was disbanded at Albion in the late 1970s, will compete in the NCAA Division III Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association along with Adrian, Alma, Olivet and Trine.
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