For Immediate Release: February 14, 2005
Contact: John Hartrick
Phone: 607-777-6800

Binghamton wrestling welcomed back into Colonial Athletic Association
Bearcats receive preliminary acceptance to return in 2005-06

VESTAL, N.Y. - Less than one month after selecting its new head wresting coach, Binghamton University has been granted preliminary acceptance back into the Colonial Athletic Association for the 2005-06 season, the school learned today. Director of Athletics Joel Thirer received a letter from CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager welcoming Binghamton back to the 11-team conference. Formal acceptance is expected when the conference holds its annual meeting in early June.

"The CAA was our No 1 choice so we're obviously very excited to get accepted," head coach Tony Robie said. "It's an ideal conference for us. There are a lot of up-and-coming teams and a good balance of youthful coaches and those with a lot of experience. We're hoping to add to that depth and be a competitive program."

The Bearcats competed in the CAA for three years after the East Coast Wrestling Association merged with the CAA in 2001-02. Binghamton finished 9th at the 2002 championship and 8th at both the 2003 and 2004 championships.

For the sport of wrestling, the CAA currently consists of Boston University, Campbell University (N.C.), Drexel University (Pa.), George Mason University (Va.), Hofstra University, James Madison University (Va.), Old Dominion University (Va.), Rider University (N.J.), Sacred Heart University (Conn.) and Wagner College.

Nationally-ranked Hofstra is the premier program in the league, and has captured the last four CAA titles.