Image via gobulldogs.com

Fresno State wrestling, which returns in the fall after an 11-year hiatus, will compete in the Big 12 Conference.

The announcement, made Wednesday, will start the program off on a strong foot, according to Fresno State athletics officials. The sport was removed suddenly in 2006 to help the university comply with Title IX gender equity rules.

“When you bring back a sport there are many hurdles to clear. Today we are pleased to clear this hurdle and become a member of the Big XII conference in the sport of wrestling. Their long and rich history in this sport is deep and we are pleased to become a part of the conference. We also want to thank the PAC-12 for their commitment to our program and interest in growing the sport,” said Fresno State Director of Athletics Jim Bartko in a statement.

Fresno State is joining along with Northern Iowa to create a 12-team field for the conference, which also includes Air Force, Iowa State, Northern Colorado, North Dakota State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, South Dakota State, Utah Valley, West Virginia and Wyoming.

“We are excited to add Fresno State and Northern Iowa as affiliate members in the sport of wrestling,” said Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “We already compete at a high national level in the sport, and look forward to welcoming coaches, student-athletes and fans from each institution.”

Fresno State wrestling kicks off in November with a new team of 25 student athletes.

“We are very pleased and proud to accept an invitation to Big XII Conference. This is an important step in defining the future of Fresno State Wrestling. The Big XII offers a strong athletic conference particularly in wrestling as we will compete with some of the best teams in the nation, giving the Valley an opportunity to see some competitive home duals and to continue the strong tradition of wrestling at one of the toughest conference championships in the NCAA,” said Fresno State wrestling Head Coach Troy Steiner.

Wrestling at Fresno State dates back to 1962 when it competed as an NCAA Division II program. In 1969, the Bulldogs made the move to Division I and won 11 team conference championships, had 14 top 25 finishes at the NCAA Tournament, had three individuals that combined to win six national championships and 33 All-Americans, according to a university new release.