Fullerton Reports Minor Infraction

The Cal State Fullerton athletic department has reported a minor NCAA infraction stemming from the administration’s downsizing of the wrestling program in 1992, Athletic Director Bill Shumard said Monday.

With limited funding available for wrestling after the departure of Coach Dan Lewis, Shumard said he told wrestlers that their scholarships were being reduced for the 1992-93 school year. But he failed to notify them in writing, a violation of NCAA rules.

The school also was required by the NCAA to inform wrestlers that they, upon request, would be provided a hearing to contest the reduction in aid. Fullerton finally made that offer in recent weeks, according to Dwayne Buth, a senior who reached the NCAA championships at 190 pounds this past season.

A dozen wrestlers also received letters in March from Shumard, who offered to settle the scholarship dispute by giving each wrestler $1,000.

“We’ve been advised that we technically don’t owe the wrestlers anything, but I know how hard they’ve worked and suffered and came forth with what I thought was a good-faith gesture,” Shumard said.

None of the wrestlers, however, has signed the agreement. Buth said the team has retained a Beverly Hills attorney and is considering legal action against the school.