Following up on Duke's situation, I got on their Duke wrestling website. I found out that going into the 2007-2008 season last year they were entering their 80th season.

I also found out that they have an active program in place trying to build financial support within the Duke wrestling community. I see this an essential part of the two fold approach to endowing programs that I described in my previous post on this topic. This is the local/alumni endowment effort. Duke's goal for the 2007-2008 season was to recruit 200 donors at a $500 average contribution for a $100,000 funding goal for the 2007-2008 season. I am not sure if they did it. I think increased endowment gifting is going to be essential for all wrestling programs. I am sure it has always been a component but I think the pace needs to pick up. If you want to read more about Duke's program look at the Friends of Duke wrestling section of their website.

http://www.dukewrestling.com/friends/