Takedown Report

Opportunities to compete in college wrestling are increasing

I recently read that Davis & Elkins College will be offering wrestling next year. The Senators have hired Jerry Boland from New Jersey and expect to have a full schedule for the 2019-2020 school year. Boland is a highly respected coach and Hall of Fame member. This new addition will bring the total number to eight West Virginia schools of higher learning with wrestling programs. West Virginia University is the only NCAA Division I school in the state with wrestling. Division II schools in our state with wrestling are Wheeling Jesuit, West Liberty, Ohio Valley, Bluefield and Alderson-Broaddus. WVU Tech has wrestling and is a member of the NAIA. Wheeling Jesuit University is currently ranked seventh in the country and West Liberty was earlier ranked in the top 20 among Division II schools. Bluefield College started wrestling this year and Coach Jason Waelti’s team has done remarkably well. Taking it a step farther, Alderson-Broaddus will be the first school in West Virginia to offer a men’s and women’s wrestling programs. Women’s wrestling will be introduced in the 2019-2020 school year. If ever a West Virginia high school wrestler wanted to continue his or her athletic career on the next level now is the time. Division II and NAIA schools have equivalency sports scholarships (scholarships that can be split) and if you’re good enough there is help. Of course, if you are academically gifted, you probably can secure academic aid and won’t need athletic scholarship money. Full scholarships in wrestling at any division do not happen. Actually, only about two percent of high school athletes secure any type of athletic scholarship on the college level. However, the more schools that offer a sport like wrestling means there’s more money for the prospects. WVU Tech has several local guys who are extending their wrestling careers. Rest of the story at https://www.register-herald.com/sports/opportunities-to-compete-in-college-wrestling-are-increasing/article_7f27f689-9c7a-5142-970d-889461795abb.html?mc_cid=6247a93c63&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

January 8, 2019 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized