In August 2005, Newberry College was placed on a watch list by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), along with 17 other schools, which deemed the use of "Indians" as hostile and abusive, and prohibited the use of Native American nicknames, mascots and imagery in postseason competition.

In September 2005, Newberry College appealed to be removed from the list of schools which were declared unable to host postseason play on the basis that none of the institution's uses of "Indians" were hostile and/or abusive toward Native Americans.

The team finished with a 10–1 record in the regular season, losing only in their last game ever against their rival, Presbyterian College.

Conference champions (2006, 2008, 2016, 2021, 2022) NCAA tournament appearances (2006, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2021) Begun in 2004, the Newberry College wrestling program was founded by former head coach Jason Valek, who resigned at the end of the 2015-16 season.

In his twelve years as coach, Valek led the program to eight top 20 finishes at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships.