HBCU WRESTLING
HBCUW was established to restore wrestling programs at historically black colleges. Of the over 100 HBCUs not one had a Division 1 wrestling program.
Team
Josh Decker
KT Estep
Bob Krcmarevic
Deliverables
Brand Identity
Web Development
Over 100 HBCUs, not one has a wrestling program.
CHALLENGE
HBCU Wrestling approached us with an ambitious goal: to build a brand to help raise $18 million over five years to establish wrestling programs at a minimum of six historically Black colleges and universities. This effort is particularly significant, as many wrestling programs were lost due to Title IX, which caused under-resourced programs to drop the sport. Today, women’s wrestling gained “emerging-sport” status and is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports, and the moment is critical to ensure wrestling’s future in HBCU's across the US. The brand had to reflect the unique spirit of wrestling—a sport that builds discipline, grit, and perseverance—while driving interest and support for the next generation of athletes. This brand is also meant to represent the relationship between College and University and Colleges and donors who are ready to bring this sport back to campuses.
One HBCU has already made the commitment – more will follow.
IMPACT
We breathed life into HBCU Wrestling’s audacious mission by creating a brand that captures the determination and vibrant energy of the sport. The identity embodies wrestling’s core values of grit and perseverance, inspiring youth from communities of color to engage with the sport and take pride in it. This brand is the first step in a long-term vision to establish well-resourced programs that will give collegiate athletes the opportunity to excel. The brand now serves as a beacon for fundraising and outreach, positioning HBCU Wrestling to meet its $18 million target and create a lasting impact on the future of wrestling at HBCUs.
