An Important Decision for ECKWC Members

A Permanent Home for Bearcat Wrestling?

Co-Head Coaches Clint Donley and Clint Freeman explain the proposed standalone wrestling facility, the projected cost, the potential impact, and what members are being asked to decide.

Voting closed: Final result 53 Yes · 0 No

Watch the Coach Q&A Review the Proposal

The Proposal

Should ECKWC Launch a Capital Campaign?

ECKWC is evaluating whether to begin a capital campaign to raise approximately $300,930 for a purpose-built wrestling facility on an empty lot in downtown Ellsworth, Kansas. Before voting, members are encouraged to watch each short video below and consider the full scope of the proposal.

Explore the Vision

Proposed Facility Renderings

Explore exterior and interior renderings of the proposed ECKWC wrestling facility.

Rendering of the proposed gray metal ECKWC wrestling facility with red ECKW Wrestling signage, white roof, garage door, and landscaping — Exterior concept with ECKWC signage and landscaped entrance

Rendering 1 of 6 Use the arrows or select a thumbnail to explore the facility.

Hear Directly from the Coaches

Questions ECKWC Members Should Consider

Each video addresses one part of the proposed project. The final voting link appears after the complete series.

Planning in Progress

Questions We’re Working Through

As planning continues, we are collecting practical questions from our community. These items do not have final answers yet. We’ll share confirmed details in the FAQ as decisions are made.

Answer Pending

How Will Athletes Access the Building?

What hours will the facility be available, and will access involve front desk staff, key cards, memberships, supervision, or another system?

Answer Pending

How Will the Facility Be Funded After Construction?

What is the long-term plan for power, water, heating and cooling, insurance, upkeep, repairs, and cleaning?

Before You Vote

Please Consider the Complete Proposal

The vote is intended to determine whether ECKWC should move forward with organizing and launching the capital campaign—not whether members are personally committing to make a donation.

If the Vote Passes

ECKWC will move forward with launching the capital campaign. Reaching the approximately $300,000 campaign goal will require significant fundraising efforts.

✓I have watched the coach Q&A videos.

✓I understand the estimated project cost is a little over $300,000.

✓I understand the proposed site is an empty lot in downtown Ellsworth.

✓I understand this vote is about whether ECKWC should proceed with launching the campaign.

Before Opening the Ballot

Voting Information

Voting deadline: To be announced

Voting Eligibility

Each ECKWC board member is entitled to one vote. All coaches and wrestling leaders are also entitled to one vote.

Each athlete who held a 2025–26 USA Wrestling membership card may vote if they are 18 or older. For each eligible athlete under age 18, a parent or legal guardian may cast one proxy vote on the athlete’s behalf.

What Your Vote Means

A “Yes” vote means you support moving forward with the launch of a capital campaign to raise approximately $300,000 to construct a new stand-alone wrestling facility at the corner of 1st Street and Lincoln Street in downtown Ellsworth. Launching the campaign will require significant fundraising efforts.

A “No” vote means you do not support moving forward with the capital campaign.

A simple majority of votes cast is required for the proposal to pass.

ECKWC Member Advisory Vote

The Vote Passed 53–0

Thank you to every member who participated. Voting is now closed, and the board will begin establishing a capital campaign committee for the next phase.

Final result: 53 Yes · 0 No

Voting Closed

The member ballot is closed. A new capital campaign website will be released soon.