Teams Prepare for First NCWA Women’s National Championship Dallas, Texas – March 6, 2008 --After announcing the addition of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) Women’s Division this past summer, colleges from all over the United States and Canada are set to compete in the first ever National Championship to be held March 13-15 in Lakeland, Florida. Among the newly established NCWA programs is Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania, which is known for its deep seeded tradition in Division I men’s wrestling. “I am hoping we set the stage for collegiate women, said Lock Haven’s Rachael Groft. Groft, who is currently ranked #5 at 112-pounds had quit wrestling two years ago and was convinced her post-high school wrestling career was finished due to lack of competitive opportunities. Groft was coaching a girls club team while working and attending community college near her hometown when she responded to an e-mail from Lock Haven’s Women’s Coach Terry Fike, who was spreading the word about the new Lady Eagles wrestling program. “Rachael mentioned that she attended Lock Haven University previously and had worked out with a member of the men’s team, but had no competitive opportunities,” said Fike. “I read between the lines in her e-mails, and I told her it sounded like she had some unfinished business to attend to, and apparently, she agreed.” Groft said she probably wouldn’t have returned to Lock Haven if not for the creation of the women’s team. “I would have probably completed my education at community college” she said. “Once I learned about the women’s program, I knew I’d also have an opportunity to compete.” The newly established Lady Eagle program follows in the steps of 2004 Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann, as well as nationally ranked and Olympic team contenders Jenny Wong, Erin Tomeo, and Jenna Pavlick, all of whom attended and trained at Lock Haven University in the past, without the benefit of a women’s program. Although this is a historical first year for the NCWA Women’s division, many of the programs and competitors are no stranger to an elite level of competition. Pacific University in Oregan has had their program established since 2001, and has produced some of the nations top ranked wrestlers including 2004 Olympic team member, Tela O’Donnell. Adding to the already elite level of United States women’s competition in this year’s championship will be two Canadian teams: Douglas College and Simon Fraser University. Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, established their women’s program in 1990 and is one of the oldest and most successful women’s programs in both the United States and Canada. Just last weekend, the team captured the Canadian University CIS National Championships held in Calgary. Among the Seven SFU National Championship team members set to compete at the NCWA National Championships are CIS National Champions Ashley McKilligan (105-lbs), Miranda Dick (121-lbs) Stacie Anaka (148 lbs) National Runner-ups Rita Pare (112 lbs) and Danette Torgeson (138 lbs) and third place place finisher Erin Church (158 lbs) Among the other colleges and universities set to attend this years championship event are: San Jose State (CA), Stony Brook University (NY), University of California-Santa Barbara, The University of Florida, and The University of Texas-Arlington. This year’s Championships are hosted by The University of Central Florida and will be held at The Lakeland Center’s George Jenkins Arena in Lakeland, Florida. The NCWA Men’s National Championship competition will begin at 10 am Thursday March 13 and the Women’s competition begins on Friday at 10 am. Both tournaments will run simultaneously together with both the men’s and women’s finals set for Saturday March 15th at 4 pm. Contact: Jim Giunta, Executive Director – National Collegiate Wrestling Association Phone: 214-378-8700 extension 107 Email: jim@ncwa.net Address: 13111 North Central Expressway, Fifth Floor, Dallas, Texas 75243 Web: www.ncwa.net Press Release written by: Tabitha Wilson, Women’s Director – National Collegiate Wrestling Association Phone: 412-309-0116 Email: Tabitha@wilsoncreativegroup.com