Less than two weeks after announcing the elimination of several varsity sports due to budget constraints, Arizona State reinstated the Sun Devil wrestling program. The program will be supported financially by local civic leadership, Athletics Director Lisa Love announced.

Wrestling, men’s swimming and men’s tennis were all discontinued on May 13, though scholarships remain effective through the senior years of all affected student-athletes. Love announced the resurrection of wrestling on May 23.

“The wrestling community, both locally and nationally, accepted this as a challenge to do something wonderful for the sport,” Love said. “(Arizona State) is forever grateful for that passion and unwavering support. Something special is happening on our campus thanks to civic leadership that care deeply about (Arizona State) wrestling.”

Head Coach Thom Ortiz thanked Love and the supporters of his program for working to keep the sport at Arizona State.

“We need to continue to build our fundraising efforts to remain a top and competitive program. This show of support will catapult Sun Devil wrestling into the future,” Ortiz said. “This show of support is big not only for (Arizona State), but for the sport of wrestling as well.”

The collegiate wrestling community has faced dwindling numbers in recent years, as schools facing budget constraints elect to eliminate sports and keep a gender-balanced program. Like supporters of other cut programs, Sun Devil wrestling supporters began a Web site and rallied alumni, coaches and current student-athletes to save the sport.

Ortiz said the show of support from Love and the community will “catapult Sun Devil wrestling into the future.”

Fund-raising for the program will be ongoing. Love estimated earlier this month that the wrestling program needed $8 million to be fully endowed, while the other sports required $5 million each.

Arizona State’s wrestling program won a NCAA title in 1988.