Grant Leeth, Texas’ first NCAA D1 team, Tarleton State University, and more…

Hi 👋

Welcome to Week #47 of the Wrestling Snacks newsletter.

🚨 Heads Up: This weeks newsletter is a bit longer than my past editions!

This week's interviewee was an exciting one. Grant Leeth is on the verge of something BIG in big ole’ Texas. “I know this thing is going to happen; it's just a matter of when.” He’s referring to Tarleton State University being on the verge of becoming the first official NCAA D1 Wrestling Program in the state of Texas.

This is their first year as a club team, but they’re already making giant waves, and the administration can’t help but take notice.

"It’s had its ups and downs. We’ve faced some adversity here and there, but overall, the school is really coming around. When we first started this, I don’t think they anticipated it would move this quickly and grow this big. There was a bit of pushback at first, but I think it’s turning into excitement, and they’re beginning to see what the wrestling program could do for the university and for kids across Texas...

They knew the game plan was to eventually transition to Division One. I just don't think they expected this level of support and momentum so quickly. I met with the administration on Monday, and they said they've been here for 19 years and have seen many clubs think they could make the transition, get the support, and build a team, but it never happened. This is the first time they believe in it and see it happening."

I asked Grant, "What are the barriers right now? What needs to happen for you guys to transition from a club team to being an official NCAA Division I program?"

"Initially, it was to build a men's and women's team and then get $2 million of funding, with the facility and things happening there. With the excitement of the community and the support we've had, we're restructuring the deal. Now, it's just about finding a sustainable business model where we can continue to fundraise and support ourselves for the next three years. At this point, it's just about dotting the I's and crossing the T's, and agreeing to something that both parties feel comfortable with. They need to know that this program is not going to get announced and then disappear in a few years—it's going to sustain itself and be around...

So the building and facility was $1.5 million, and we've raised an additional $1.2 million since November. So we're not quite at the $2 million, but we've got it in pledges. It's just that people are not super comfortable gifting money to something that isn't real quite yet. You know, we're trying to make it as real as possible. We're trying to become undeniable. But until the school publicly announces—which last night was the first time the school has publicly acknowledged that they are supporting a Division I wrestling program and are working towards that goal. It was really exciting for us. And like you said, there have been many days where I wasn't sure and even doubted if this would become a reality, if the school would support us in the end. But last night during our grand opening, it shattered all of those doubts. I know this thing is going to happen; it's just a matter of when."

To move the program forward and achieve NCAA D1 status, they need to establish a sustainable business model that ensures consistent fundraising and financial support for the next three years. If you'd like to contribute financially and help move the needle closer to Texas getting it’s first NCAA D1 Wrestling Program, you can donate ➡️ HERE ⬅️

News Bites

• Jason Nolf officially retires from wrestling

• AJ Ferrari Commits to CSU Bakersfield

• Munaretto Wins Second U17 Gold Medal - Men's Freestyle Team Beat Iran for Team Title

• 2024 U17 World Championship Men’s Freestyle Results

• Atreus Wrestling RTC, Rising Sun WC and State 48 Wrestling to lead Arizona wrestling into the future

• Zain Retherford named coach with Nittany Lion WC

• 2024 UWW U20 World Wrestling Championships Schedule, Brackets, Information

• 2024 Wrestling Senior World Team Trials Schedule, Brackets, Information

• Jordan Williams heading to Little Rock

• Gable Steveson Cut By Buffalo Bills, But Could Join Practice Squad

• Iowa Transfer Chaos:

  • Kyle Parco transferring from Arizona State ➔ Iowa

  • Jacori Teemer transferring from Arizona State ➔ Iowa

  • Stephen Buchanan transferring from Oklahoma ➔ Iowa

  • Cade Siebrecht transferring from Iowa ➔ SDSU

  • Cobe Siebrecht transferring from Iowa ➔ SDSU

  • Zach Glazier transferring from Iowa ➔ SDSU

  • Aiden Riggins transferring from Iowa ➔ Iowa State

Snacks

This week's Snacks come from Grant Leeth: 3X State Champion, High School All-American, Fargo National Champion, and USAW Junior Folkstyle National Champion. 2018 NCAA All-American, MAC Champion and 2X NCAA National Qualifier at Mizzou. He’s currently the head coach at Tarleton State University in Texas.

Below are some excerpts from our conversation, along with key takeaways and tips that can be applied to improve yourself as a Coach, Athlete, or wrestling Parent.