All In The Campaign for Blair Academy 2018-2025
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A Bold Vision for the Future of Blair Wrestling
Ashley Taube

Blair Academy’s storied wrestling program, with roots tracing back to 1919, is taking an exciting step forward with the creation of the Blair Academy Wrestling Endowment. This initiative aims to sustain the program’s legacy of excellence while meeting the growing needs of today’s student-athletes.

Wrestling became an official sport at Blair in 1924, and since then, the program has built an unparalleled reputation, earning national and international recognition. Today, the program includes seven dedicated coaches and 52 student-athletes, including a record-breaking 11 girls on the team. These athletes strive for distinction both on the mat and in the classroom, where Blair’s rigorous academic programs prepare them for success beyond wrestling.

Meeting Today’s Demands
As the program grows in popularity, so do the associated costs. Wrestling at Blair is one of the most resource-intensive sports, and sustaining its high standards requires significant investment. To address these challenges, Blair has outlined a three- to five-year financial plan that focuses on:

  • Expanding the girls’ wrestling program
  • Providing increased training opportunities domestically and internationally
  • Implementing state-of-the-art, science-based training and recovery initiatives
  • Adding coaching support and access to nutritionists and sports psychologists
  • Covering travel, registration and lodging costs for year-round tournaments, including world and Olympic team trials
  • Supplying additional uniforms and workout gear
  • Strengthening connections with Blair wrestling families and creating alumni mentoring opportunities

A Bold Vision for the Future
With tremendous growth and increased programming comes added costs. While philanthropic support has helped over the years, it has not fully met the financial demands of maintaining the program’s exceptional standards. To ensure sustainability, Blair has set a long-term goal of raising at least $1 million for the wrestling endowment. This fund will help offset operational costs and support the program’s growth and innovation. To date, we have secured gifts and pledges of $900,000 toward the total goal.

A Generous Challenge
“We have had tremendous support for the endowment that helps our wrestling program,” Ross Gitomer ’05, wrestling head coach, notes. Former Blair wrestler A. Craig Powell ’96 has pledged a generous $500,000 challenge gift to the wrestling endowment. To meet this challenge, the Blair wrestling community must raise an additional $500,000. Achieving this goal will secure the program’s future and ensure it remains a leader in the sport. 

We invite all members of the Blair community to help us continue this proud legacy. By contributing, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of Blair wrestling. Together, we can ensure that this cherished program thrives for generations to come.

It has been great connecting with so many supporters of the endowment,” Coach Gitomer shares. “Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference and is appreciated.”

Join us in supporting Blair wrestling by visiting www.blair.edu/supportwrestling. The team is preparing for several competitive matches in the coming weeks. Wyoming Seminary will travel to Blairstown on January 17 for a 7 p.m. battle, the Bucs will visit Delbarton School in nearby Morristown, New Jersey, on January 30 at 7 p.m. and Blair will host St. Peter’s Prep on February 8 at 2 p.m.

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