OTTAWA — Ottawa University announced it will add women and men’s wrestling to its athletic programs. The search for a head coach and recruitment of student-athletes will begin immediately, with competition scheduled to begin in the 2014-15 season. “I have a firm commitment to building a ‘scholar-centered’ athletic program that will continue to grow The College enrollment and foster expanded investment in campus academic and co-curricular programs,” said provost Terry Haines. “I believe wrestling will be a very positive addition to our athletic program, and this expansion is very much in line with the scholar-athlete model I have advocated throughout my tenure in higher education. The average grade-point average of the nation’s top high school wrestlers competing in recent High School National Championships was 3.0, which will contribute to the academic focus of OU’s sports program, he said. “Intercollegiate wrestling will also provide additional opportunities for diverse populations to participate in our athletic program, including expanded opportunities for women and multiple physiological profiles for both genders.” OU joins a growing list of colleges adding wrestling, including 43 men’s wrestling teams in the NAIA. Three are now in Kansas: Baker, Benedictine and Bethany.
OU will be the first KCAC school to have women’s wrestling. The NAIA does not sponsor women’s wrestling, so the Lady Braves will in the Women’s College Wrestling Association, which has 10 NAIA teams.
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m.
