Portland State eliminated its varsity wrestling team after a two-month review by a university task force. The team will be given club status.

Athletics Director Torre Chisholm recommended the review late last year after concerns were expressed about the program’s financial viability, academic deficiencies and lack of competitiveness. The review process included two public forums and a close examination of the factors Chisholm cited.

“This is a sad day,” Chisholm said. “Portland State has a tremendous tradition in wrestling. Unfortunately, circumstances have changed in such a way that Portland State can no longer field a program commensurate with the university’s expectation for excellence.”

The Vikings were a success at the Division II level, winning national championships in 1967, 1989 and 1990. Since moving to Division I in 1996, the program has struggled competitively.

Portland State wrestlers will continue to receive scholarships at the same level for the next three years or until they leave the university, provided they maintain good academic standing. The school will assist any student-athletes who wish to transfer.