Bears Wrestling Officially Announces Formation of Conference

Western Wrestling Conference Information in PDF Format
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April 27, 2006

Courtesy of Western Wrestling Conference Media Relations

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Eight intercollegiate institutions have announced the formation of the Western Wrestling Conference (WWC). The NCAA Division I wrestling-only alliance will begin competition in the 2006-07 season.

Charter members of the Western Wrestling Conference will include: the United States Air Force Academy, Fresno State University, North Dakota State University, the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Northern Iowa, South Dakota State University, Utah Valley State College and the University of Wyoming.

"This is a great opportunity for our intercollegiate wrestling program," said Jay Hinrichs, Northern Colorado athletic director. "We applaud the work (Northern Colorado head coach) Jack Maughan has done to create this conference. The Western Wrestling Conference will provide a great Division I environment for our student-athletes."

With league members spread out over seven states and three time zones, schools will only be required to compete against five league schools in dual action to be eligible for the regular season conference championship. Schools will be encouraged to schedule as many conference schools as possible.

Four of the members currently compete in the NCAA West Regional and they include Air Force, Fresno State, UNI and Wyoming. Northern Colorado, North Dakota State, South Dakota State and Utah Valley State are transitioning their programs to the Division I level. UNC, NDSU, SDSU will be eligible for the NCAA Championships in 2006-07, while UVSC will be eligible for the postseason in 2009-10.

"It's great to have a home," said Northern Colorado head wrestling coach Jack Maughan. "This will enhance our scheduling for events, and it give our student-athletes more recognition. It also helps us to renew the old North Central Conference rivalries, as well put us on a level playing field with our local rivals in Air Force and Wyoming. I think it's going to strengthen the West region and enhance everyone's chance to get to the national tournament. I'm happy for our student-athletes that we finally have a conference."

The 2007 NCAA West Regional will still serve as the NCAA qualifying tournament and will be hosted by the University of Northern Iowa. The goal of the league is to replace the West Regional with the conference tournament, which would then serve as the NCAA qualifier. The WWC will submit its application for formal recognition to the NCAA. The WWC plans to recognize student-athletes on both a weekly and full-season basis. Individual awards will include Wrestler of the Week; All-Conference teams; an Academic All-Conference team; and Wrestler, Newcomer and Coach of the Year awards. The league will also crown a team champion following the conclusion of the regular season conference competition and the postseason tournament.

The governance of the Western Wrestling Conference will remain primarily with the member institutions. Scheduling of contests, assignment of officials and certain media relations functions will remain with member institutions.

Colonel William Walker of the United States Air Force Academy will serve as the Conference Commissioner, while Colin McDonough of UNI will serve as the WWC Media Relations Director.

"This is a very important alliance between quality institutions," Walker said. "We think that it will strengthen our programs and provide a better experience for our student athletes."

The eight member schools are spread out of over seven states and three time zones, which will give each school added exposure - both in terms of media and recruiting - in new destinations. The conference affiliation is also expected to generate much interest within the eight schools' substantial alumni base, which numbers nearly 800,000 combined.