Delaware USA Wrestling is offering structured freestyle and greco practices from April through July for wrestlers of all ages and experience levles.  Tuesday Freestyle practices are conveniently located in each county (New Castle - Tyrant Wrestling Club, Kent - Caesar Rodney High School, Sussex - Delmarva Wrestling Club).  Wednesday Greco practices are hosted by Smyrna High School.  Thursday Freestyle practices are hosted by the Tyrant Wrestling Club at Red Lion Christian Academy.  Wrestlers from out of state are welcomed to participate.  A USA Wrestling card is required for all wrestlers and can be purchased at the Thursday practice.  The practices consist of technique, drilling and live wrestling.  Wrestlers will have the opportunity to participate on national teams, attend regional tournaments or simply take advantage of the training sessions.  Please contact Cory Frederick at deusawrestling@gmail.com with any questions.

Wright resigns as DSU wrestling coach

By KRISTIAN POPE
The News Journal

DOVER -- For the fifth time in six years, Delaware State must find a new coach for its wrestling team following the departure of Reggie Wright, who resigned over the weekend.

Wright coached the 2007-2008 season at DSU after being picked by school president Allen Sessoms and then-athletic director Chuck Bell to stabilize the program.

Athletic director Rick Costello said Wright left to pursue "other opportunities."

Costello said he will conduct a nationwide search for Wright's replacement and that he expects to make a hire prior to the start of the season. The team is scheduled to begin practices, with or without a coach, in three weeks.

Contacted last week by text message, Wright seemed surprised about questions of his departure. On Wednesday, his phone service had been disconnected.

"It stinks. I liked Reggie a lot," said sophomore wrestler Matt Cathell, a graduate of Caesar Rodney High. "It's Delaware's last wrestling program."

DSU is the nation's only Division I wrestling program among historically black colleges. It's also the only college program offered in the state.

Wright's departure follows constant turmoil in the program. Former All-American Earl Walker was fired in 2007, which followed the resignations of Darren Archangelo in 2005 and Wayne Newsome in 2003.

Cathell said Wright told him that Sessoms' resignation as president last week may have been a reason for his decision to step down as coach.

"We talked ... and he said Sessoms was leaving [DSU] and he didn't know if the program would get dropped or not," Cathell said. "He said he didn't want to get left in Delaware without a job."

Cathell, who qualified for the NCAA championships last season, said he and other wrestlers are worried the program may be dropped, something Costello denied.

"There are no plans to disband it," he said. "Wrestling is very important. Our goal is to grow the program, not eliminate it."

This year, Delaware USA Wrestling (DEUSAW) will take several all-star teams to numerous USA Wrestling National Championship tournaments.  Each wrestler is responsible for raising money to pay for team travel, uniforms, training camp and meals.  In years past, the Delaware Wrestling Alliance has sponsored a portion of select trips.  Last year, DEUSAW began participating in additional national events in which do not have any sponsorships.  This year, DEUSAW will depend on sponsorship  money to help defray costs for these individuals and help make these trips possible for everyone.  If you are interested in supporting the DEUSAW, please contact our State Chairman Cory Frederick at deusawrestling@comcast.net.