Drury University has long been known for its prestigious athletics.

Recent accomplishments include the 2013 Men’s Basketball National Championship, the 2014 Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, and the 2015 Midwest Regional Championship for baseball.

Now Drury will add wrestling to an already strong athletic department. The addition will be an NCAA Division-II sport.

“There was an unmet need in Southwest Missouri for collegiate wrestling”, explained Mark Fisher, Drury’s Athletic Director on the decision to add wrestling.

“We were looking at the opportunity to bring additional students on campus with our enrollment declining in the last few years, and having athletics have a role in helping boost that again is a positive factor.”

Drury’s wrestling program will be lead by coach James Reynolds and will run from November through March. Reynolds began a wrestling program at Maryville University in St. Louis, and has been a coach there the past four years.

When asked what drew him to Springfield he explained, “I was drawn by the opportunity to start and grow a wrestling program at Drury University. I am currently working toward accomplishing my goal of building a successful NCAA Division-II Wrestling Team.”

Wrestling matches will be held in Weiser Gym and Reynolds hopes to produce a roster of 30 young men.

Kyle Caldwell, of Willard High School, is among first signees to the new program.

“I feel honored to be given the opportunity to be making history and start a legacy. I’m going to help build a strong foundation with leadership and hard work.”

Because this is a new program, Fisher hopes it will bring an excitement to campus. The Scoop also hopes it will bring more championships.