Sport sponsorship: California State University, Fresno, announced it has discontinued the intercollegiate wrestling program and reinstated the men’s cross country program, effective July 1. Athletics Director Thomas Boeh said the action was taken as a cost-reduction measure and as a significant component of the institution’s long-range strategic plan. "There is strong desire on the part of the university and its constituents to have Fresno State advance to a level of national prominence and compete consistently among the nation’s best," Boeh said. "Unfortunately, the rapidly rising costs associated with an NCAA Division I-A athletics program have caused many institutions around the country with similar aspirations to re-evaluate their sports programming. Here at Fresno State, we found our department in the same position. Given today’s industry standards, it is very clear that to remain a sustainable I-A program we need to find more efficiencies. This adjustment will enable us to direct an adequate amount of resources, in the form of money, facilities, support services and staff, toward the support and advancement of all of our student-athletes." Scholarship offers to returning student-athletes and incoming freshmen who have signed letters of intent will be honored until they have completed four years of school at Fresno State or transfer to other institutions. Affected student-athletes will continue to have full use of training and academic facilities and may compete individually if they choose. The contract for head wrestling coach Shawn Charles will be honored until June 30, 2007. He will be reassigned within the athletics department in the coming academic year. The announced change means the restoration of men’s cross country after a three-year absence from Fresno State. Boeh said the program will greatly help the men’s track and field program return to a conference-championship level. The men’s cross country program will require no additional scholarships and will carry a roster of 10-12 student-athletes.