Shorter College will have a wrestling program starting in the fall of 2010, the college announced today.

“Since the beginning of my presidency, I have been asked about the possibility of adding wrestling to Shorter’s athletic program,” said President Harold E. Newman. “No intercollegiate wrestling programs are available in Georgia; yet, wrestling remains an important sport in the state at the high school level. What we have heard again and again is a real desire on the part of students, parents and coaches involved in the sport to have the opportunity to continue competing in wrestling after high school. We are excited to step into the arena and offer that opportunity.”

The wrestling program joins another planned for next year, men’s and women’s lacrosse.

“We are very pleased about adding wrestling as our 21st overall varsity sports program," said Director of Athletics Bill Peterson. “It is also a great honor to initiate the only four-year varsity wrestling program in the state of Georgia. We know that there is a great deal of enthusiasm about wrestling in Georgia, and we are very proud to be a part of that excitement.”

Shorter’s wrestling program will compete in the Mid-South Conference along with current league members Campbellsville University, Cumberland (Tenn.) University, the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.), Lindsey Wilson College and West Virginia Tech.

The wrestling Hawks will practice at an off-campus site, but host matches on campus at the Winthrop-King Centre.

The search for a head coach will begin immediately.