BUENA VISTA, Va.—With a proud tradition and successful history, the Southern Virginia University wrestling program will remove its club status and become an NCAA Division III varsity program beginning the 2014-15 season.
Southern Virginia becomes just the third school in the state of Virginia to offer NCAA Division III wrestling, joining Ferrum College and Washington & Lee University.
“We’re excited to add wrestling as an official sport at Southern Virginia and continue the proud history of the program,” said Director of Athletics Jason Lamb. “Our wrestling program is the only one offered in a Latter-day Saint environment, so to become an official sport will attract additional wrestlers who want live by the code of honor and compete at an NCAA level. Coach Davis is doing a great job with the team and we’re excited to see them compete at a higher standard of competition.”
This past season, the wrestling club sent six individuals to the National Collegiate Wrestling Association championships while five were named USCAA All-Academic recipients. Junior Coulter Sims was additionally recognized as an NWCA All-Academic recipient.
“We are very excited to compete at a higher level and see how we match up on a national stage,” said head wrestling coach Logan Davis. “This is the next step in our evolution and we are prepared to meet the new challenges that will be presented. A varsity wrestling program pairs very well with the overall mission of the school. Wrestling is about more than brute strength – it’s about developing the complete self. I believe we can quickly rise to national recognition.
“There is a lot of untapped wrestling talent out there and I believe recruits will see the commitment of the university to its wrestling program and desire to join our team.”
The wrestling program at Southern Virginia has compiled 17 NCWA All-Americans since the 1999-2000 season, including two national champions in Nate Casperson (2000) and three-time champ Peter Rose (2008-10). A multitude of others have been recognized as a USCAA Wrestler of the Week or Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) first-team honoree.
Roster spots are still available for the 2014-15 season and prospective scholar-athletes are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at 540-261-8401.