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Apprentice School and City Of Hampton To Co-Host NCWA Nationals At Hampton University
NEWPORT NEWS, VA. - The Apprentice School, along with the City of Hampton Convention and Visitor's Bureau, will host the 2009 National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) Nationals on March 12-14 at the Hampton University Convocation Center.
This event will bring athletes from 41 states and over 130 colleges to Hampton to determine 11 individual champions in the men's division and eight in the women's division.
Apprentice School has been one of the perennial powers in the NCWA having finished in the top ten nine times out of 11 appearances. The Builders have served as a co-host before when the nationals were held at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania in 2002 and 2003.
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Builders in NCWA Nationals | ||
| Year | Site | Place |
| 2009 | Hampton, Va. | |
| 2008 | Lakeland, Fla. | T10th |
| 2007 | Dallas, Tex. | 3rd |
| 2006 | Grand Rapids, Mich. | 2nd |
| 2005 | Dallas, Tex. | 3rd |
| 2004 | Dallas, Tex. | 4th |
| 2003 | Easton, Pa. | 2nd |
| 2002 | Easton, Pa. | 3rd |
| 2001 | Dallas, Tex. | 10th |
| 2000 | Dallas, Tex. | 2nd |
| 1999 | Dallas, Tex. | 2nd |
Keisha Pexton, Apprentice School Athletic Director, looks forward to putting on a first-class event for nationals. "We are very excited to co-host the 2009 NCWA Nationals for our program. We know it'll be a great experience for all of those involved and we are ready to put on a first class event for all participants."
Apprentice School coach Bruce Shumaker, in his second season with the program, sees plenty of local interest upcoming for the nationals. "This is a big plus having nationals here in the area," he said. "Even though we are going to be very young, we do have numerous wrestlers from this area so this is definitely a great way to end the season."
NCWA executive Director Jim Giunta was happy to announce the nationals coming to Hampton. "We are excited to be in Virginia this year for the Nationals and in particular to be working with the City of Hampton and The Apprentice School," he said. "We looked at numerous cities this past year in an effort to find the best combination of facilities, wrestling fan base, host city support and proximity to NCWA institutions. Upon complete review by the tournament committee, Hampton emerged as the overwhelming best choice." said Giunta.
Kris Smith, from the City of Hampton Convention and Visitor's Bureau, visited the 2008 NCWA Nationals in Lakeland, Florida and was key in spearheading the effort with Hampton and The Apprentice School to host the event in March. "I am very excited for us to be working with the Apprentice School in co-hosting nationals," said Smith. "This is the makings of a great partnership between us and we look forward to promoting this and bringing more attention to the Apprentice School wrestling program and all area wrestling programs."
