GVSU to Host NCWA North Central Conference Championships

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) will host the 2009 National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) North Central Conference Championships on Saturday February 28, 2009 at the GVSU Fieldhouse (1 Campus Drive) in Allendale, MI. The event is expected to draw competitors into the Grand Rapids area from Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan. The top wrestlers from this event will move on to compete in the NCWA National Championship that is scheduled for March 12-14 at the Convocation Center Arena - University of Hampton located in Hampton, Virginia.

The GVSU wrestling program has been a dominating force since moving to the NCWA in 2001. GVSU has won the North Central Conference Championships every year the tournament has taken place (2001-2008). If that is not enough, the GVSU wrestling team has won the NCWA National Championships for the last three years (2006, 2007 & 2008) and two of the previous five (2001 & 2002). According to GVSU wrestling Coach Rick Bolhuis, "We are excited to host this event on our home mats and bring college wrestling to West Michigan. The quality of wrestling is outstanding in the North Central Conference. We traditionally produce more All-Americans than any other conference. Our team views this tournament as the first day of the National Championships. Our performance here determines seeding at the finals in Virginia. To be able to set the tone in our own gym is exciting for this team that has worked with only one goal in mind all year, to win a fourth consecutive championship in Virginia."

"We're excited to be working with Grand Valley State University as their wrestling program plays host to the North Central Conference Championships once again. The fact that the GVSU wrestling program has done as well as they have throughout these Regional Championships and the Nationals, shows proof of the competitive nature of youth and amateur sports that exists in West Michigan. We look forward to welcoming the athletes from our neighboring states and encourage our local sports fans to come out and watch a very strong GVSU team." stated Mike Guswiler, West Michigan Sports Commission Executive Director.

Admission for the NCWA North Central Conference Championships is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for youth (including HS) and GVSU students are free to enter with student identification. Great sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event.

For more information on the NCWA North Central Conference Championships or to sponsor this event, please contact Rick Bolhuis at 616-450-1531 or by email at rmbolhuis@hotmail.com.

http://www.GrandValleyWrestling.com