Kaia Anderson, didn’t get invited

The most recent scandal to grace the hallowed halls of Augsburg University was the recent DPS raid of the recently discovered underground wrestling ring underneath the Old Science building. The illegal ring was discovered after an anonymous report was made to the head of DPS on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. After receiving the tip, DPS broke up the ongoing fight in the Old Science Hall. The room had been converted from a typical lab into a covert wrestling ring where students and faculty could participate in fights and wagers; several of these wagers involved faculty members raising their students’ grades, which has unfortunately led to another investigation into professors’ gradebooks. The question remains: how did this go on for so long? We were able to talk with a few members of this underground club to get some answers; names and any other identifying information will remain confidential to avoid messing with the ongoing investigation. 

According to our sources, the ring began back in 2022 over winter break as a way for students stuck on campus to entertain themselves. They originally were wrestling in their dorms, but as the group expanded, they needed a new venue. By the start of the 2023 fall semester, faculty began to get involved as a way to pay off debts, blow off steam, or interact with campus culture. With their involvement, access was granted to the Old Science Hall, and slowly but surely, construction quietly began on their chosen room. This building was chosen in particular because the doors into old classrooms remain locked 24/7, and it is generally less busy than other campus buildings. As the group continued and expanded, fights began to get more violent, and wagers became larger. After 5 years of activity on campus, Augsburg’s very own – and very unofficial – fight club was shut down. 

There has been no information released on how many people were involved with this organization, or what will happen to those who were caught that night, but there has been talk of

suspension or even expulsion for students, and dismissal for faculty members. The women’s and men’s wrestling teams have both denied any involvement with or knowledge of the ring. Late last week, the National Collegiate Athlete Association (NCAA) released a statement warning members of either team that if they are found to have been associated at any time with the group, they will be ineligible to participate in any sport for the remainder of their college career. 

Further information is currently unavailable, and DPS has refused to make a statement until ongoing investigations have come to a conclusion. Please contact the Echo office if you have any information you would like to share regarding the underground ring.