OJC's athletic director, Gary Addington, is excited about what this will mean for Southeast Colorado. "This is going to be good for the Arkansas Valley with its strong wrestling tradition that spans all the way to the Kansas border. Members of the community are extremely supportive of the plan," said Addington.
At this time, there are few wrestling programs in the state and they are all at four year institutions. "OJC having a program gives opportunities to kids who may not see them otherwise," explained Addington. "A two-year institution opens doors to everybody. These wrestlers will have the opportunity to complete a two-year degree, but also have an increased opportunity to move on to both wrestle and study at a four year school."
There will be 20 Letters of Intent available. OJC has multiple other forms of need-based financial assistance and academic scholarships available to all students.
The next step will involve a large scale search for a coach who will fit with OJC Athletics' philosophy: combining hard work, persistence, and dedication with the ultimate goal of success in the classroom and in athletic pursuits. The goal is to have a coach in place by January 2016 to begin recruiting for the team.
In addition, OJC will be building another unit in the Conley Complex to house the additional students.
The team will initially wrestle open tournaments in Kansas and Wyoming as well as dual meets with teams in the region. There are a few other junior/community colleges looking to add programs in the next few years, both in Colorado and in neighboring states.
For more information on the OJC Wrestling program, contact Gary Addington, athletic director at 719.384.6859 or at gary.addington@ojc.edu .
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