ABILENE – The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference informed McMurry on Monday that its Council of Presidents voted unanimously to accept the university as an affiliate member for men's and women's wrestling in 2025-26.
 
The Saint Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference includes wrestling members familiar to McMurry in other sports: Schreiner, Ozarks and Lyon. The league also includes Fontbonne (Mo.), Westminster (Mo.), Blackburn (Ill.) and Eureka (Ill.)

"We are thrilled to join the SLIAC as an affiliate member for wrestling," said Larry Dockery, McMurry University's Athletic Director. "This partnership reflects McMurry's commitment to providing our scholar-athletes with opportunities to compete at the highest level while also excelling in the classroom and serving in the community. We look forward to building strong relationships with the member schools of the SLIAC and contributing to the continued success and growth of the conference."
 
McMurry announced in October its intention to add men's and women's wrestling, beginning next fall.
 
This new addition reflects McMurry's dedication to offering students more competitive opportunities that build valuable skills for both academic success and personal growth, fostering leadership, integrity, and perseverance.
 
Wrestling is the first athletic program McMurry has added since 2019 when Esports joined the slate.
 
McMurry University Board of Trustees approved the addition of men's and women's wrestling programs in September.
 
 "As we continue to build a competitive and inclusive athletics department, wrestling is a natural fit," said Larry Dockery in October. "It brings a rich tradition of discipline, teamwork, resilience, and values that align with our university's mission both on and off the mat. By adding men's and women's wrestling, we are not only expanding opportunities for scholar-athletes but also creating an even stronger sense of community and school spirit." 
 
Wrestling is gaining popularity at both the high school and collegiate levels. As of the 2023–24 school year, 291,874 boys competed in high school wrestling at 11,149 schools, while girls' participation surged to 64,257 at 7,138 schools, more than doubling since 2021, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. In NCAA Division III, 109 institutions sponsor men's wrestling, and 44 sponsor women's wrestling. This rise in participation, especially among female athletes, underscores the sport's growing national appeal.
 
"I want to thank our university leadership, our athletics staff, and our entire community for supporting this initiative. Together, we are creating new opportunities and setting the stage for success. We look forward to seeing our wrestling teams in action and making us proud in the seasons to come," said Dockery.
 
Ready to shape the future of McMurry's new wrestling program? Whether you're a passionate coach or a prospective student-athlete, we want to hear from you!