Wrestling facilities

[PhilaPhans]

Any idea where we are in terms of new facilities for wrestling? There's no way we can continue to stick them in the back closet like they've been, right? Are we looking at all to fund raise for a separate facility, or are we still on the whole expand the RAC for all teams? If baseball/softball can get together a couple of million, I can't imagine small facility for wrestling would be that crazy.

I know it was on a bit of a bigger scale than I'm thinking, but does anybody remember how much the Lehigh practice facility cost (just as a basis for comparison)?

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

Any idea where we are in terms of new facilities for wrestling? There's no way we can continue to stick them in the back closet like they've been, right? Are we looking at all to fund raise for a separate facility, or are we still on the whole expand the RAC for all teams? If baseball/softball can get together a couple of million, I can't imagine small facility for wrestling would be that crazy.

I know it was on a bit of a bigger scale than I'm thinking, but does anybody remember how much the Lehigh practice facility cost (just as a basis for comparison)?

Lehigh's was about $4 million and really, who could need anything more. Its a cheap style of building (at its core, its really just a four column steel building, like the RAC), dressed up to look pretty nice. It has the mats in the middle, and offices/weight rooms on the sides.

It would be huge if we could get something like this done. In the grand scheme of things, we could spend a pittance on a wrestling building, and be on par to compete with the best for the next 20 years. Right now we are selling recruits on god awful facilities that are penciled in to unused space in the CAG. We are basically operating a Big Ten program out of a Division III facility.

It would be far better to do something like this, than do it as part of the new basketball parking garage.

 

[Leonard23]

Lehigh's was about $4 million and really, who could need anything more. Its a cheap style of building (at its core, its really just a four column steel building, like the RAC), dressed up to look pretty nice. It has the mats in the middle, and offices/weight rooms on the sides.

It would be huge if we could get something like this done. In the grand scheme of things, we could spend a pittance on a wrestling building, and be on par to compete with the best for the next 20 years. Right now we are selling recruits on god awful facilities that are penciled in to unused space in the CAG. We are basically operating a Big Ten program out of a Division III facility.

It would be far better to do something like this, than do it as part of the new basketball parking garage.

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While I agree that we should build a standalone wrestling facility like that instead of being in the basketball parking deck facility, it'll never happen because Rutgers is too shortsighted to just borrow & bond at cheap rates to improve its infrastructure campuswide, so that's better than the current setup. And we certainly aren't getting $4M+ from donors to build it. Hopefully, the space is big enough to have 4 mats (it'll likely have 3) with a good sized weight room in the same space & then offices. They need to break ground already.

 

[e5fdny]

Not even thru Year 2, people.

Come on.

And did everybody notice the Lehigh thing had a "name" on it?

 

[PhilaPhans]

Year 2 of the B1G has nothing to do with it. I'm not asking why we don't have such a facility, because that's already been asked. I'm asking what the future plans would be, and if it's just more shared space, why we wouldn't work on getting a possible revenue generating team a better facility.

 

[e5fdny]

Year 2 of the B1G has nothing to do with it. I'm not asking why we don't have such a facility, because that's already been asked. I'm asking what the future plans would be, and if it's just more shared space, why we wouldn't work on getting a possible revenue generating team a better facility.

Then ask somebody beside the four of us (so far) in this thread. LOL

And the calendar has everything to do with it.

We are B1G in name (in almost everything) only. When that changes to more than just the top of a letterhead from a mailing from Rutgers Athletics we'll see stuff start to happen.

And I would love to see it named "The PhilaPhans Wrestling Facility" if you so choose to do it that way. ;)

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

Then ask somebody beside the four of us (so far) in this thread. LOL

And the calendar has everything to do with it.

We are B1G in name (in almost everything) only. When that changes to more than just the top of a letterhead from a mailing from Rutgers Athletics we'll see stuff start to happen.

And I would love to see it named "The PhilaPhans Wrestling Facility" if you so choose to do it that way. ;)

The difference is obvious. For wrestling, you could get on par facilities for a very small sum of money from a budget standpoint. Unlike other sports, in the Big Ten wrestling has become a revenue generator, and is the only sport to turn from a drain to a profit center. That in and off itself justifies the expenditure. We went from no such thing as season tickets, to probably close to 1500 season tickets , with tons of room to keep growing given NJ love for wrestling.

 

[e5fdny]

All I'm saying it it's not happening rightthissecond which everybody seems to want for everything with Athletics around here.

I would not be surprised at all if there is something on the horizon with regard to some of our other Olympic (including Wrestling) sports in the not too distant future.

But as I said above the future gets here a lot quicker when somebody (or a few somebodies) pays the freight.

 

[elvis7]

Any idea where we are in terms of new facilities for wrestling? There's no way we can continue to stick them in the back closet like they've been, right? Are we looking at all to fund raise for a separate facility, or are we still on the whole expand the RAC for all teams? If baseball/softball can get together a couple of million, I can't imagine small facility for wrestling would be that crazy.

I know it was on a bit of a bigger scale than I'm thinking, but does anybody remember how much the Lehigh practice facility cost (just as a basis for comparison)?

I've heard that they're trying to raise 5 million from the wrsetling

 

[e5fdny]

Lehigh's was about $4 million and really, who could need anything more. Its a cheap style of building (at its core, its really just a four column steel building, like the RAC), dressed up to look pretty nice. It has the mats in the middle, and offices/weight rooms on the sides.

It would be huge if we could get something like this done. In the grand scheme of things, we could spend a pittance on a wrestling building, and be on par to compete with the best for the next 20 years. Right now we are selling recruits on god awful facilities that are penciled in to unused space in the CAG. We are basically operating a Big Ten program out of a Division III facility.

It would be far better to do something like this, than do it as part of the new basketball parking garage.

View embedded media

Then the Wrestling gang should do what Baseball/Softball did and go get the $$$.

As others have pointed out Wrestling is doing their part on the mat. Maybe Athletics should now move on from Baseball and Softball and start asking to help fund a program that while not making a huge impact in the B1G is certainly holding the line.

"People are already paying to go see our grapplers now. They just need a little more $$$ from you to make a move. Your donation will help them get there."

That's the type of line I would use when approaching a donor.

 

[Leonard23]

It is very shortsighted to not do this yesterday. Money is cheap & practically free so borrow already.

 

[e5fdny]

It is very shortsighted to not do this yesterday. Money is cheap & practically free so borrow already.

Yes, for Basketball.

For wrestling? Get in line. LOL

Whether we like it or not there is a pecking order. And when the $$$ gets here I doubt the order will change but the ladle will have a lot more soup in it.

 

[Leonard23]

Yes, for Basketball.

For wrestling? Get in line. LOL

Whether we like it or not there is a pecking order. And when the $$$ gets here I doubt the order will change but the ladle will have a lot more soup in it.

$ should've been borrowed years ago for new basketball & wrestling facilities...also for the new quad on College Ave. I wish the B1G forced our hand to borrow & build 2 years ago.

 

[RUskoolie]

When they go public with fundraising for the RAC practice facility you guys can open your checkbooks and pitch in. Along with basketball; gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling will also be housed in there. My wife and I plan on making a very large pledge (for us) to give towards that building next year.

From an article in the summer about the new design:

"The top floor of the proposed multi-use facility will house courts for basketball, volleyball and training space for wrestling. The light-filled training areas are supported by strength and conditioning space, locker and team rooms and coaches offices."

So it's in the Master Plan, the only thing left to do is fund raise for it publicly.

 

[dollarbill]

The parking deck/wrestling facilities project sounds feasible. At Rutgers, you take what you can get. $$$$

 

[Leonard23]

When they go public with fundraising for the RAC practice facility you guys can open your checkbooks and pitch in. Along with basketball; gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling will also be housed in there. My wife and I plan on making a very large pledge (for us) to give towards that building next year.

From an article in the summer about the new design:

"The top floor of the proposed multi-use facility will house courts for basketball, volleyball and training space for wrestling. The light-filled training areas are supported by strength and conditioning space, locker and team rooms and coaches offices."

So it's in the Master Plan, the only thing left to do is fund raise for it publicly.

Great to hear you're donating but just waiting a few more years to raise the $ isn't the answer. That further emphasizes Rutgers' lack of commitment to winning that has us in this position of being 20-30 years behind in facilities. How about the University take out a low interest rate loan or use some of the billions of dollars it takes in to support its students & coaches (& alumni)?

Look, I get that our donors aren't donating enough but the state & university aren't either.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

I've heard that they're trying to raise 5 million from the wrsetling

I believe this is correct and I think they can/will reach their goal. A good season can only help! Will check with my buddy - who was actually honored Sar night for his "help" with the program - about it.

 

[RUskoolie]

Great to hear you're donating but just waiting a few more years to raise the $ isn't the answer. That further emphasizes Rutgers' lack of commitment to winning that has us in this position of being 20-30 years behind in facilities. How about the University take out a low interest rate loan or use some of the billions of dollars it takes in to support its students & coaches (& alumni)?

Look, I get that our donors aren't donating enough but the state & university aren't either.

The state is kicking in 25 million towards the RAC practice facility thanks to Lesniak. I have read your same idea for multiple sports for 18 months: "just take out a loan". If the school took your approach we would have our credit card completely maxed out by now and that's before I remind you our athletic department is the biggest financial drag on a University in America.

You should have to donate $100 for every time you suggest the school "just take out loans" from this point forward. That's all you ever suggest and it's for buildings that wouldn't even generate revenue for the department. I could understand your argument if we were talking about a new stadium that would bring in money. I don't think borrowing for some small projects would be a bad thing, but at the end of the day it's on the school to cultivate donors. Please keep in mind we already "borrowed" to fund the stadium expansion and have several years left on that loan.

Stop looking for everyone else to pay for things you want and pay for it yourself. Donate more. That's what I'm doing.

 

[Leonard23]

The state is kicking in 25 million towards the RAC practice facility thanks to Lesniak. I have read your same idea for multiple sports for 18 months: "just take out a loan". If the school took your approach we would have our credit card completely maxed out by now and that's before I remind you our athletic department is the biggest financial drag on a University in America.

You should have to donate $100 for every time you suggest the school "just take out loans" from this point forward. That's all you ever suggest and it's for buildings that wouldn't even generate revenue for the department. I could understand your argument if we were talking about a new stadium that would bring in money. I don't think borrowing for some small projects would be a bad thing, but at the end of the day it's on the school to cultivate donors. Please keep in mind we already "borrowed" to fund the stadium expansion and have several years left on that loan.

Stop looking for everyone else to pay for things you want and pay for it yourself. Donate more. That's what I'm doing.

The university hasn't paid to build or majorly upgrade basketball & wrestling facilities since opening The RAC in 1977 & I guess putting the annex on The Barn in the late 1950's but that didn't have an impact on either. The university can continue to kick it down the road & fall further behind or it can address something 30+ years late already. Investing in athletics is invaluable, something that Rutgers has never understood, & will generate more $ by helping recruiting, which helps winning & brings good publicity & increases ticket sales, merchandise & concessions sales, among other things. Those increases will indirectly pay for some of the debt service. The state is giving us a $25M tax credit...maybe, as the Assembly hasn't passed it & it certainly hasn't been signed by CC. Btw, that's $25M of $600M in available tax credits & other undeserving schools get the same $25M. Lesniak's commissioned study said we need to invest at least $100M to upgrade athletics facilities. How about Rutgers show some commitment for once.

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

We raised 3 million for baseball and softball for their building.

They could raise 4 for wrestling. It will just take effort and lots of fundraising.

But it doesn't seem impossible to me.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

We raised 3 million for baseball and softball for their building.

They could raise 4 for wrestling. It will just take effort and lots of fundraising.

But it doesn't seem impossible to me.

There are definitely a few "deep pockets" behind the program, HOWEVER, they have already done a lot since Scott came aboard. Now, that doesn't mean it can't get done - with their help, of course - just sayin' they've done their share and then some already.

 

[e5fdny]

We raised 3 million for baseball and softball for their building.

They could raise 4 for wrestling. It will just take effort and lots of fundraising.

But it doesn't seem impossible to me.

Not at all.

And you know why? Because everybody loves a winner around here.

Said it before all we have to do is WIN in FB. Which is what we are starting to do in Wrestling already. If and when we get to the stage where we begin to WIN in a certain sport it will get that much easier to help sustain it with (or even better in lieu of) B1G $$$.

 

[RU93]

i know bball is on the higher pecking order, but wrestling is a winning program, and it'll only get better with some immediate resource support, and we are already top 20 in spite of lack of facility...

 

[e5fdny]

i know bball is on the higher pecking order, but wrestling is a winning program, and it'll only get better with some immediate resource support, and we are already top 20 in spite of lack of facility...

That's what I'm saying....if we go from WIN to WIN (multiple AA, win the B1G) watch how quick the $$$ comes from outside of the allotted B1G funds.

It might even be there when we transition from win to WIN.

 

[coachkos]

i believe if you get the right people around it and a plan put in place, where everyone can see it and what it could do for future NJ wrestlers , you can raise 5-10 million for a wrestling only building Can be attached to the RAC so they can have the big time matches there and the smaller meets can sit 3000 Can hold the GMC/ Districts Region for HS events And other tournaments during the year. Dream it, build the best facility and people would donate .

 

[e5fdny]

i believe if you get the right people around it and a plan put in place, where everyone can see it and what it could do for future NJ wrestlers , you can raise 5-10 million for a wrestling only building Can be attached to the RAC so they can have the big time matches there and the smaller meets can sit 3000 Can hold the GMC/ Districts Region for HS events And other tournaments during the year. Dream it, build the best facility and people would donate.

Complete forgot about this.

Why couldn't we hold the States here instead of AC?

 

[Leonard23]

That's what I'm saying....if we go from WIN to WIN (multiple AA, win the B1G) watch how quick the $$$ comes from outside of the allotted B1G funds.

It might even be there when we transition from win to WIN.

I'm sorry but if we have to wait until we win the B1G before getting new facilities, then they might as well shut down the program.

Complete forgot about this.

Why couldn't we hold the States here instead of AC?

Boardwalk Hall seats 10,500+. The RAC seats 8,000 & has worse views in the 200s & 300s.

 

[e5fdny]

I'm sorry but if we have to wait until we win the B1G before getting new facilities, then they might as well shut down the program.

Boardwalk Hall seats 10,500+. The RAC seats 8,000 & has worse views in the 200s & 300s.

I'm not saying wait at all. I'm saying the money will come faster from OUTSIDE sources if some of those things happen sooner than later. From the sound of it seems there is some of that money ready to be used if a something is shown to those who want to pay for it.

And never knew the place in AC was that big.

 

[ScarletGrapfan]

I'm not saying wait at all. I'm saying the money will come faster from OUTSIDE sources if some of those things happen sooner than later. From the sound of it seems there is some of that money ready to be used if a something is shown to those who want to pay for it.

And never knew the place in AC was that big.

The Rac and NJ States---cant happen. First the RAC holds 8,000 with all the seats, to fit 8 mats you would need to slide in all the lower level seats and now you are down about half the seats. And of those half you probably could not see half the mats.

 

[e5fdny]

The Rac and NJ States---cant happen. First the RAC holds 8,000 with all the seats, to fit 8 mats you would need to slide in all the lower level seats and now you are down about half the seats. And of those half you probably could not see half the mats.

Thanks.

I obviously did not think thru the logistics of the whole thing. Never been so I didn't know what the set up was like.

Could it work for Regions and Districts or is the RAC too small for that too?

 

[ScarletGrapfan]

Thanks.

I obviously did not think thru the logistics of the whole thing. Never been so I didn't know what the set up was like.

Could it work for Regions and Districts or is the RAC too small for that too?

Yes it could work for Regions and Districts(most only use 3 mats), however, RU would have to "donate" the facility for either Districts or Regions, if they charged any kind of rent or if RU kept the gate, the NJSIAA could not afford it.