Slippery Rock University Wrestling Frequently Ask Questions
Updated as of March 7, 2026 – Men’s wrestling returns as an NCAA Division II varsity sport in the 2027-28 season. For the latest official updates, visit rockathletics.com/wrestling .
1. There was a matching program in the announcement. Is it more beneficial to send money there or the foundation?
Initially donations to the SRU Foundation are more beneficial because of the Dudley match. The Fred Powell SRU Wrestling Foundation, Inc. (aka, Wrestler Fund) is still in development and will be more beneficial once the program gets started.
2. When will they start wrestling at the Rock?
Competition will begin 2027-28.
3. What Conference will SRU wrestle in?
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conferenc (PSAC)
4. If I am a senior in HS and apply to SRU, will I be able to wrestle in the 2026-27 season?
Not as a NCAA D-II athlete but you could participate with the SRU Wrestling Club. NCAA and NCWA eligibility rules would apply.
5. What will happen with the Wrestling Club in 2027-28 season?
I do not think the club will disband but you cannot wrestle for the club and be on the D-II team.
6. How do I apply for the Head Coach or Assistant Coach job?
Once the position is posted on the SRU Human Resources page, you will need to apply on that site. Check this link and click on Coach Positions → https://careers.sru.edu/.
7. Will there be scholarship opportunities if I come to SRU to wrestle?
Yes.
8. Does SRU have an association with an apparel or equipment company for sponsorship funding opportunity?
Not at this time.
9. Will the 2027-28 team have to sit out a probation period before they can compete in the National Championships?
No.
10. How can I donate to the wrestling program?
SRU Advancement – this link will take you to the donation site → SRU Donation Page.
11. Where can I get some SRU Wrestling Gear?
Once the program gets started, there will be opportunities to purchase from online stores.
12. Will there also be Women’s wrestling at the Rock?
Not at this time.
13. How do I apply to SRU if I want to wrestle?
Work through SRU Admissions Office, here is the link to apply → SRU Admissions.
14. Can I transfer to SRU, and if so, how do I do that?
Work with admissions, here is the link to transfer → Transfer to SRU.
15. When will I know who the Head Coach is for the program?
As soon as the search is concluded. The position has not been posted.
16. Is there a social media place where I can keep track of what’s happening with the program?
Link to this web site → SRUathletics.
17. How can I set up a scholarship for the new wrestling program?
Troy Miller – SRU Advancement – troy.miller@sru.edu – (724) 738-2191.
18. When does the Dudley match expire?
Once $250,000 is raised that match will be complete.
19. When will the Head Coach position be posted?
Most likely summer, the job will be posted on the SRU Careers website under “Coach Positions” at this link → https://careers.sru.edu/ and will be filled following the PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) process.
20. Will the Head Coach hire the Assistant Coach?
Yes, this is similar to all assistant coach searches.
21. When will the Coach’s Employment contract start?
Likely in Fall of 2026.
22. Will the program have any Graduate Assistants?
Not at this time.
23. Where will the wrestling team practice?
In Morrow Field House.
24. Will the team have a dedicated locker room and if so where?
They will have a locker room but the exact location has not been determined.
25. Will the University support a Regional Training Center (RTC) if it were paid for by an outside organization?
This is not something that has been discussed but is open to discussions.
26. Will the Wrestling Alumni be part of the Head Coach hiring process?
This search will be run like all other SRU coaches searches and done internally.
27. What happened to the scholarships that were in existence when the wrestling program was suspended?
I am not aware of the answer to this as I was not here at the time. I assume they were absorbed into the department.
28. Will the wrestling team have cheerleaders?
This has not been discussed with the cheerleader coach but will be addressed moving forward.
29. When D-II wrestling matches start will they be broadcast or streamed live to spectators?
This sport will be treated like all other teams and all events are streamed.
30. I am a SRU Alumni, why am I not getting information from SRU regarding the wrestling program returning?
Communication to alumni is created by the SRU Alumni Association and based upon data they have on each alumnus. If you are not receiving information from them, it is one of two reasons; either your information has not been kept current, or you have requested to not receive any correspondence from the Alumni Office. To correct either of these issues, contact the Alumni Office at 724-738-2018 or alumni@sru.edu.
31. What is the status of the 501(C)(3) for the wrestling program?
The SRU Wrestling Alumni and Friends Committee has formed a nonprofit 501(C)(3) called the Fred Powell SRU Wrestling Foundation, Inc. (herein called “RWF” – Rock Wrestlers Fund). The RWF was awarded tax exemption by the IRS on September 9, 2025, under EIN#: 39-4226348. The RWF is dedicated to honoring the legacy of coach Fred Powell by promoting and sustaining amateur wrestling at Slippery Rock University through appropriate activities including fundraising to support coaching positions, scholarships and other activities such as education, leadership, character building, and athletic excellence through camps, tournaments, community events and for other related charitable purposes.
Officers and Directors of the RWF Board are:
- President – Bill Shuffstall, 1975 alumni, bshuffstall@gmail.com
- VP – Chuck Tursky, 1980 alumni, charlesturskyjr@gmail.com
- Secretary – John Stroup, 1980 alumni, jrstroup@gmail.com
- Treasurer – John Butch, 1972 alumni, jdbutch@aol.com
- Director – John Gehret, 1980 alumni
- Director – Steve Roberts, 1983 alumni, funsteveo@gmail.com
- Director – Scott Stoner, 1991 alumni, gtwcoach@gmail.com
- Director – Jason Cardillo, 2007 alumni, cardilloj@cmsd.k12.pa.us
- Director – Keith Brubach – 2025 alumni, Krb1023@sru.edu
- Coach Fred Powell – ex officio, fredbpowell@gmail.com
The Board is holding business meetings on a monthly basis. All alumni and friends are welcome to attend the meetings via Zoom and can be added to the meeting invite list by contacting John Stroup at jrstroup@gmail.com or (814) 538-9112. The Board has formed a web site (RockWrestling.org) for the RWF and is setting up the ability for the RWF to continue fund raising once the university campaign concludes in March. Any alumni and friends of SRU Wrestling who would like to contribute their talents to the RWF should let one of the Board members know your availability and skills. We will need members to help with fund raising events, provide social media expertise, nonprofit accounting and website administration.