Montana Tech announced today that it is exploring the addition of men's and women's wrestling as NAIA varsity sports, with the goal of beginning competition in fall 2027.
Wrestling has deep roots in Butte, and the proposed programs would let student-athletes compete as Orediggers with the full support of the community behind them. The university is working closely with the University of Providence (UP) to determine if its men's and women's wrestling coaches and student-athletes may be able to find a new home to pursue their academic and athletic interests.
"Wrestling is part of the fabric of this community," said Athletic Director Matt Stepan. "We believe these student-athletes would feel that support in a special way as they compete for Montana Tech."
"The Montana Tech Athletics Department is developing the next generation of STEM leaders, and our Orediggers show what's possible when students excel academically and in sports. Adding men's and women's wrestling may create new opportunities for students to join our campus community and prepare for successful careers,” said Chancellor Johnny MacLean.
“Montana is a strong wrestling state, and these proposed programs fit our campus mission of developing tomorrow’s leaders,” Stepan said. “We’re excited about the possibility of building on the foundation of excellence established by the University of Providence’s wrestling programs.
As UP prepares to close in August 2027, head men's wrestling coach Steve Komac is focused on his student-athletes.
"Closing a university is incredibly difficult for students, faculty, and staff," said Komac. "As a coach in Montana for more than 32 years, I know what this loss means for our sport. UP is one of only two institutions in the state offering collegiate wrestling for both men and women, with more than 40 athletes on our men's roster alone. Montana Tech is an outstanding institution with a proven record in academics and athletics and a reputation for strong leadership. It would be a great university to give our current student-athletes a new home and to serve future wrestlers who want to stay in, or come to, Montana."
Marco Retano, UP head women's wrestling coach, is supportive of adding wrestling at Montana Tech.
"People have poured their hearts into this university, its athletic programs, and its students," said Retano. "College wrestling is a highly respected sport that demands discipline, accountability, and dedication, and those qualities translate directly into life skills for young adults. The relationships and lessons that come from this sport are what make it so special. With UP closing, it is important that we preserve these opportunities in the great state of Montana. Montana Tech is a great institution, and a wrestling program would benefit the sport, the university, and most of all, the student-athletes who want to continue their academic and athletic careers in Montana."
Montana Tech will continue to review the feasibility of these programs, and any decision would need to be approved by the Montana Board of Regents.