Two new college men's teams: NAIA Montreat (NC) and Div. III Roanoke (VA)
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by Montreat College Athletics and Roanoke College Athletics
Wrestling, and Cheer & Dance Coming to Montreat in 2020
Montreat, NC – Montreat College will add men's wrestling and co-ed cheer and dance to its athletics programs for Fall 2020. "With the support of the board of trustees and President Maurer and his cabinet, we are excited to launch these two new athletic programs," said Director of Athletics Jose Larios. "Across the southeast, both collegiate wrestling and cheer and dance programs are growing rapidly. By offering these two new programs, with scholarship support, we are expanding our reach and making Montreat College a great option for students who want these programs to be a part of their education and collegiate experience."
A national search for the two new coaches has already begun. Once in place, the new head coaches will begin recruiting immediately for Fall 2020. Practice and competition schedules will also be completed by this spring.
"With cheer and dance, the hope is to start our program with sideline cheer for basketball and special events. Ultimately, we want to develop a team that can compete at the National Cheerleading Association competitions and the NAIA's Competitive Cheer and Dance Championships," said Larios. "Wrestling will begin competitions next winter, so recruiting now will be paramount to a strong launch of the program," added Larios.
Montreat College is a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), which currently boasts six members with wrestling programs and an AAC conference championship event. Larios said, "Our immediate focus will be for our wrestling program to compete very well at our AAC championships, in hopes of qualifying as many individuals for the NAIA Wrestling Championships." Along with the AAC, nearby Conference Carolinas (NCAA DII) institutions will provide Montreat College's new wrestling program with additional opportunities to compete.
For Fall 2020, Larios anticipates a wrestling roster of 12-15 student-athletes and an 8-10-person cheer and dance team. Both programs will have the opportunity to grow in future academic years.
Roanoke announces the addition of NCAA wrestling
Salem, Va. – Roanoke College Director of Athletics Scott Allison announced Wednesday the addition of wrestling as the College's 22nd NCAA Division III sponsored athletic program. The Maroons will begin competition in the Fall of 2021 with a search for a head coach beginning immediately.
"We're pleased to add wrestling to our listing of men's intercollegiate athletic offerings," said Allison. "Our first challenge will be to find the right person to lead our program. Once we have our coach in place, it'll be time to hit the recruiting trail…hard. We think we can build a quality NCAA Division III wrestling program, one that can show evidence of success on the mat and in the classroom. We couldn't be more excited for the challenges that lie ahead."
While wrestling is not currently a sponsored sport by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, Roanoke joins Ferrum, Shenandoah (2020) and Washington and Lee as ODAC schools that sponsor the sport.
Roanoke College, located in Salem, VA offers an innovative core curriculum and majors that allow for depth of study and research. Roanoke College encourages students to believe in themselves and their potential. Students participate in internships, creative projects, community service, and study away—endeavors that help them find their purpose in life. The Roanoke College experience is a full one, only enhanced by its setting — minutes away from a vibrant city and the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Montreat, NC – Montreat College will add men's wrestling and co-ed cheer and dance to its athletics programs for Fall 2020. "With the support of the board of trustees and President Maurer and his cabinet, we are excited to launch these two new athletic programs," said Director of Athletics Jose Larios. "Across the southeast, both collegiate wrestling and cheer and dance programs are growing rapidly. By offering these two new programs, with scholarship support, we are expanding our reach and making Montreat College a great option for students who want these programs to be a part of their education and collegiate experience."
A national search for the two new coaches has already begun. Once in place, the new head coaches will begin recruiting immediately for Fall 2020. Practice and competition schedules will also be completed by this spring.
"With cheer and dance, the hope is to start our program with sideline cheer for basketball and special events. Ultimately, we want to develop a team that can compete at the National Cheerleading Association competitions and the NAIA's Competitive Cheer and Dance Championships," said Larios. "Wrestling will begin competitions next winter, so recruiting now will be paramount to a strong launch of the program," added Larios.
Montreat College is a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), which currently boasts six members with wrestling programs and an AAC conference championship event. Larios said, "Our immediate focus will be for our wrestling program to compete very well at our AAC championships, in hopes of qualifying as many individuals for the NAIA Wrestling Championships." Along with the AAC, nearby Conference Carolinas (NCAA DII) institutions will provide Montreat College's new wrestling program with additional opportunities to compete.
For Fall 2020, Larios anticipates a wrestling roster of 12-15 student-athletes and an 8-10-person cheer and dance team. Both programs will have the opportunity to grow in future academic years.
Roanoke announces the addition of NCAA wrestling
Salem, Va. – Roanoke College Director of Athletics Scott Allison announced Wednesday the addition of wrestling as the College's 22nd NCAA Division III sponsored athletic program. The Maroons will begin competition in the Fall of 2021 with a search for a head coach beginning immediately.
"We're pleased to add wrestling to our listing of men's intercollegiate athletic offerings," said Allison. "Our first challenge will be to find the right person to lead our program. Once we have our coach in place, it'll be time to hit the recruiting trail…hard. We think we can build a quality NCAA Division III wrestling program, one that can show evidence of success on the mat and in the classroom. We couldn't be more excited for the challenges that lie ahead."
While wrestling is not currently a sponsored sport by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, Roanoke joins Ferrum, Shenandoah (2020) and Washington and Lee as ODAC schools that sponsor the sport.
Roanoke College, located in Salem, VA offers an innovative core curriculum and majors that allow for depth of study and research. Roanoke College encourages students to believe in themselves and their potential. Students participate in internships, creative projects, community service, and study away—endeavors that help them find their purpose in life. The Roanoke College experience is a full one, only enhanced by its setting — minutes away from a vibrant city and the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
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