A judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Save Oregon Wrestling Foundation and the group Equity in Athletics over the University’s decision to cut the wrestling program.

Marion County Circuit Judge Lynn Ashcroft ruled that the University had the right to drop the program, and in a statement issued Tuesday the University said it believes the court reached the correct conclusion “on both the procedural grounds and merits” of the decision.
Ron Finley, director of the Save Oregon Wrestling Foundation and former Oregon wrestling coach, told the Emerald on Wednesday that he’s disappointed with the decision, but it won’t stop him and the program from raising money to reinstate the team.
“I feel bad for the wrestlers who are still on campus because this has taken away from their hopes of continuing to wrestle, but we will keep on fundraising in hopes of a change in the future,” Finley said.
University Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny cut wrestling in July 2007 in favor of adding baseball and competitive cheer.
The University said in the news release that it understands the position of the students on the wrestling team and is committed to honoring their scholarships.
“The University’s decision to eliminate its wrestling program was made reluctantly, but with the goal of providing the opportunities that best meet the interests and abilities of our students and the community,” according to the release.
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