Many voices have been heard over the past week following the news that Northern Michigan University is planning to cease hosting its longstanding Greco-Roman program once the spring semester of 2027 draws to a close. But — most of the outcry has been limited to social media posts and various websites belonging to Americans. One week hence, and now a highly-esteemed wrestling figure from Europe has offered his take on the subject.
Danish Wrestling Sports Director Thor Hyllegaard is aware of the circumstances and brings a rather unique viewpoint. Hyllegaard — with whom many might be familiar for his coaching career as well as for the popular annual Thor Masters tournaments — has trained athletes from across the globe in addition to leading the Danish team. He has coached at every level available and also understands quite well how Greco-Roman is developed in the US. And, through the years, Hyllegaard has opened the doors to his club for American athletes to stay and train. Because of this, he has formed a large number of relationships with USA coaches and competitors, including current stars Alston Nutter (67 kg, Army/WCAP), Benji Peak (72 kg, NYAC/Position), Olympian Payton Jacobson (87 kg, NYAC/NTS), and many more.
Hyllegaard knows what Greco-Roman wrestling is supposed to present at the discipline’s highest reaches, and he knows what it takes to develop and cultivate talent from youth age-groups to the Senior circuit. As such, he is especially bothered by the announcement that Northern Michigan wishes to do away with the National Training Site Greco-Roman program and provided the following statement on the matter:
“I’m saddened to hear about the possibility of the Greco-Roman program at Northern Michigan University being cut. From my perspective, this program has been one of the most important pillars of Greco-Roman wrestling in the United States. Over the years, it has consistently produced athletes who have represented the US at the highest international level and has played a crucial role in developing not only world-class wrestlers, but also coaches, mentors, and ambassadors for our sport.
“For countries like Denmark and many others around the world, the US Greco-Roman team has always been respected because of the quality of athletes that have come through this program. Many of the wrestlers developed at Northern Michigan have had a significant impact internationally, raising the level of competition and contributing to the growth of Greco-Roman wrestling worldwide. Since Greco-Roman wrestling is a highly specialized discipline, dedicated development environments like Northern Michigan are essential.
“Unlike freestyle, there are fewer opportunities for young athletes to immerse themselves in high-level Greco training. Losing a program with such a long tradition and proven success would not only be a major loss for American wrestling but for the international Greco-Roman community as well.
“I sincerely hope the decision-makers recognize the unique value of this program and the legacy it has built over decades. Its impact reaches far beyond the athletes who train there — it has strengthened the entire sport.”
Best regards,Thor Hyllegaard
Sports Director
Danish Wrestling Federation
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