VINCENNES, Ind. — Vincennes University proudly announces the addition of men's and women's wrestling to its athletic programs, set to begin in the 2026–27 academic year. The announcement was made Wednesday by the University's Athletic Department.
Director of Athletics John Meeks shared his enthusiasm for this historic addition, stating, "The addition of wrestling to our already-robust slate of sport offerings is more than just adding another sport; it's about creating opportunities and building on VU's culture of growth that will enhance our ability to reach even more students in our state and region. Wrestling is a sport that builds resilience, discipline, and community—values we want to nurture at VU."
This forward-looking expansion reflects national and regional trends in athletic participation and underscores VU's ongoing commitment to fostering student success and community engagement through sports. Athletic programs also create a sense of belonging, strengthening the support systems that foster retention and persistence through college.
A Rapidly Growing Sport, Regionally and Nationally
High school wrestling has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity across Indiana and the Midwest, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. In Indiana alone, boys' high school wrestling has grown by more than 20%, reaching nearly 8,000 participants statewide. Girls' wrestling in Indiana has expanded even more rapidly, increasing by 366% since the pandemic. In the 2023–24 school year, over 1,400 girls from 177 high schools competed, which led the Indiana High School Athletic Association to officially sanction the sport beginning with the 2024–25 season.
The surrounding states—where VU offers the equivalent of in-state tuition—mirror these trends. Ohio saw nearly 3,000 girls participate in sanctioned high school wrestling just one year after the sport's official recognition in 2023. Illinois has made girls' wrestling its fastest-growing high school sport, with over 200 schools now fielding teams. Kentucky set a new participation record in the 2023–24 school year, with over 115,000 total student-athletes, including more than 51,000 girls. In Michigan, boys' wrestling has grown by more than 15% year over year, while girls' wrestling participation has surged 270% since the pandemic.
VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said, "Expanding our athletic offerings with men's and women's wrestling is an intentional move to serve both current and prospective students. As our campus and region continue to grow, VU recognizes the importance of offering programs that reflect the interests and experiences of all students. Wrestling not only supports academic persistence and student success—it also strengthens our ability to recruit, retain, and graduate more students."
Balancing Fiscal Challenges with Strategic Growth
The decision to launch wrestling represents a deliberate enrollment-focused investment. The initiative is designed to strengthen recruitment, expand retention opportunities, and meet growing student demand. By aligning limited funding with opportunities that directly support long-term stability, VU demonstrates its commitment to invest strategically where the potential for enrollment growth and student success is strong.
Johnson said, "Even in a time of fiscal constraint, we must be intentional about where we invest. Wrestling is a clear example of how a modest, well-planned expansion can generate enrollment growth, create new opportunities for students, and positively impact the overall vitality of VU."
National Recognition and Support Fuel the Launch
VU's wrestling initiative has also earned national support. The University has received a grant from the National Junior College Athletic Association, VU's national governing body, and its Foundation to help launch the sport. The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.
"The NJCAA Foundation is excited to further support the growth of NJCAA member colleges and the sport programs they offer through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant," said Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. "The ability to provide this funding is a testament to the importance and growth of two-year collegiate athletics. The NJCAA Foundation looks forward to this initiative's impact as NJCAA member colleges continue to create opportunities for student-athletes across the country."
With the launch of men's and women's wrestling, VU takes a bold step in expanding opportunity, enhancing student life, and aligning its athletic and academic missions to serve a diverse student body and foster meaningful connection, both on campus and throughout the region.
About Vincennes University - Indiana's First College
VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center at MADE in Plainfield, the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch, and the Jackson County Learning Center in Seymour. VU offers online degrees and classes to students who need access to college courses and flexibility through its Distance Education.
A leader in dual credit and career and technical education statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.
In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor's degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, health care services administration, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.
VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 35 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana's first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.
