Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Planning for Return of Varsity Wrestling
8/28/2004 8:00:00 AM | General
Aug. 28, 2004
Varsity Wrestling Transition Plan Timeline
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LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell University director of athletics and recreation John P. Hardt announced today the culmination of a summer long planning exercise that finalizes the transitional timeline and particulars in order to reestablish wrestling as a Division I varsity athletics program at Bucknell, beginning in the Fall of 2005.
"My staff and I have tried to look at all variables and opportunities while putting together a plan that will reestablish a solid foundation for the program," said Hardt. "We felt it important to take a methodical look at how to best utilize the wonderful resources provided through the generosity of Bill Graham and other members of the wrestling community. We look forward to even greater cooperation as the program begins its first season next fall."
The year-long transition will commence immediately with the start of classes, and the program will achieve varsity status beginning on August 24, 2005. The major milestones of the transitional plan include the application for membership in a yet-to-be-announced NCAA wrestling conference; launching a national search for Bucknell's head wrestling coach in December; and, the naming of said coach after the 2005 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in St. Louis.
In addition, Hardt announced that former Bucknell student-athlete and senior associate athletics director Tim Pavlechko `91 will be responsible for the implementation of the transitional plan, including handling inquiries and program operational matters until the new head coach is named. Pavlechko is in his fifth year as a member of the athletics department staff and has served as the chief aid to the director of athletics. Prior to returning to Lewisburg, Pavlechko held the position of NCAA assistant director of championships with oversight responsibilities for the sport of wrestling and also served on the USA Wrestling Board of Directors.
All inquiries regarding the varsity wrestling program, including potential head coaching candidates and prospective student-athletes entering in the Fall of 2005, should be directed to:
Tim Pavlechko
Senior Associate Athletics Director
Bucknell University
G-253 KLARC
Lewisburg, PA 17837
570/577-1232
tpavlech@bucknell.edu
Bucknell is a member of the Division I Patriot League in 23 of the 27 varsity sports, joining full members American, Army, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy. Bucknell has won the Presidents' Cup as the league's all-sports champion in 11 of the 14 years in which the cup has been contested.
For the third time in 13 years, Bucknell also led the nation this year with its student-athlete graduation rate, at 100 percent. The university also ranks third in Division I in producing Academic All-Americans, averaging more than three per year since the recognition program's inception in 1970.
