LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan University announced today that wrestling will be added as a sport beginning in the 2016-17 school year.
 
"Nebraska Wesleyan takes a lot of pride in sponsoring a broad based athletic program," said Ira Zeff, director of athletics. "With the addition of wrestling we will enhance the opportunities for students to use athletics as part of their NWU educational experience.  I am confident that our wrestling team will add to the rich tradition of excellence that Nebraska Wesleyan athletics is known for."
 
A search for a head coach is currently underway with competition scheduled to begin with the 2016-17 winter sports season. NWU will be able to host home duals and tournaments in Snyder Arena.
 
NWU previously offered wrestling as a sport from 1962-82, winning three conference championships.
 
"The addition of wrestling provides yet another opportunity for our students to compete in intercollegiate athletics while experiencing a fine liberal arts education," said President Fred Ohles. "Our student-athletes are part of a strong tradition for excelling both inside and outside the classroom and I look forward to seeing their success continue in our new wrestling program."
 
The addition of wrestling brings the total number of NWU varsity sports to 21, with approximately 30 percent of the student body participating in intercollegiate athletics.
 
NWU athletes have earned numerous academic and athletic honors including 153 Academic All-America Awards — ranking eighth among all schools at all levels — and 49 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships.