Dupage Policy Journal

Millikin University has announced the addition of Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Wrestling to its Big Blue Athletics program, with both sports set to launch in the 2026-27 academic year. The university says this move aims to broaden opportunities for female student-athletes and support the development of emerging sports.

“At Millikin, we are committed to expanding opportunities for our students to grow both academically and athletically. The launch of our Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Wrestling programs is an important step in strengthening our Big Blue Athletics offerings and providing another path for student success,” said Millikin President Dean Pribbenow. “We are proud to be part of the national momentum behind these emerging sports and excited to see our athletes compete beginning next fall.”

Women’s Flag Football has seen significant growth across the United States, with backing from organizations like the NAIA and NFL at the collegiate level. In Illinois alone, more than 200 high schools now offer girls flag football teams, placing Millikin among a growing number of universities that provide this sport for female athletes.

Joan Catanese, currently serving as Tight Ends Coach and Co-Special Teams Coordinator for the Big Blue Football team, will transition into a full-time role as head coach of the new Women’s Flag Football program. Recruitment efforts are set to begin immediately, with competition starting in spring 2027 at Frank M. Lindsay Field.

The university also announced that Ryan Birt will take on a new role as Director of Wrestling, overseeing both Men’s and Women’s Wrestling programs. Birt has led Millikin Men’s Wrestling since its return in 2015, guiding it to multiple College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) championships and helping several wrestlers achieve All-American status.

“Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Wrestling are milestone additions for Millikin Athletics. These programs will offer female athletes a competitive platform in a fast-growing sport, while reinforcing our tradition of excellence and embracing new ideas,” said Lori Kerans, Vice President for Athletics and Community Engagement. “We’re eager to recruit talented student-athletes and build programs that will make the Millikin community proud.”

Women’s Wrestling was designated as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women during the 2020-21 academic year and is now recognized as an NCAA championship sport. Millikin becomes one of nine CCIW member institutions offering women’s wrestling since the conference began sponsoring it in 2022-23.