Race quotas, etc., are racist. Recruit the best wrestlers without nary a thought about whatever ethnicity they are. Diversity and inclusion do improve a learning environment. Therefore, let's hope enough wrestlers from diversity are good enough and desire enough to be a part of the Iowa program.Here is the NCAA Inclusion Statement:
"As a core value, the NCAA believes in and is committed to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its student-athletes, coaches and administrators. We seek to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career opportunities for coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion improve the learning environment for all student-athletes and enhance excellence within the Association."
The number one indicator of success in the University of Iowa Athletic Diversity and Inclusion plan is:
"Achieve a student-athlete ethnic diversity rate of 25% within 5 years"
Does the Iowa coaching staff and fan base think having only 3 black athletes competing in 14 years is doing a good job of meeting these inclusion statements? Iowa wrestling has had a diversity rate of around 4% since Brands has been head coach. Is the answer that it does not matter as long as the program keeps winning? I doubt the NCAA would agree with that answer. The staff is most likely having these conversations and recruiting is trending in the right direction, but yes, I think it could be better.