Wrestling might not be a varsity-sanctioned sport at Auburn University, but that's not stopping several grapplers across campus.
The Auburn University Wrestling Club offers students a chance to be a part of a unique experience where they can hone their skills and compete against other teams across the Southeast.
The club features around 20-25 members and about 15 compete in the meets.
On Friday, Feb. 21, Auburn held its only home meet of the season, a dual meet against the University of Alabama and Marion Military Institute.
But the meet was more about getting Auburn's wrestlers a chance to compete in front of their classmates.
"We are raising money for the Wounded Warrior project and Children's Hope," Howard said. "We just wanted to give back to the community in someway, so we figured we can get our name out here and that way people that are coming in can donate towards the charities and help us out by helping them out."
The wrestling meet was free of admission but donations were encouraged, as proceeds would go to the Children's Hope Orphanage in Haiti and The Wounded Warrior Project. Tee shirts and other items were available for sale at the meet to go towards donations as well.
Howard explained how Auburn use to have an official NCAA wrestling program, but it got cut as a varsity sport in the 1980s.
There are certain challenges that come with being a club sport as opposed to a funded varsity sport at Auburn.
"It's hard getting the name out," Howard said. "A lot of people don't realize we do have a wrestling club. We've been trying to hand stuff out on the concourse but it's hard getting the name out on the concourse because a lot of people are just like, 'Uh, whatever.'
"But we've been trying to get publicity out. It's pretty difficult to get people to come out to events."
The wrestling meet was held in Auburn's new Student Rec and Wellness Center that opened last semester.
Auburn had split results in the meet. The club defeated the University of Alabama 34-24 but dropped the match against Marion Military Institute 27-31.
The Auburn Wrestling Club season begins late fall semester and runs through the spring semester. Howard said Auburn will prepare for the SEC Conference meets next week, which will be followed by Nationals two weeks after.
For more information about the wrestling club, visit the Auburn Wrestling Club Facebook page or contact them at wrestling.club@auburn.edu through Auburn University's Campus Recreation webpage. The club is open to all interested Auburn University students.
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