U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, Mar. 14 and 15
FAYETTE, Iowa (March 12, 2008) - The Upper Iowa University (UIU) athletics department has been busy for the past three years in anticipation of hosting this weekend's big event - the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Championships. Division II schools from across the nation will gather in Cedar Rapids this Friday and Saturday, Mar. 14 and 15, for the two-day event to decide which school has the best individual wrestlers and overall team.
One hundred sixty wrestlers representing 37 colleges and universities have qualified to attend this championship meet. According to UIU Athletic Director Gil Cloud, "We are pleased to host this outstanding event in Iowa. This weekend will brand Division II athletics in Iowa." 
Every three years this event comes up for bid to all NCAA DII schools. Even though a lot of work goes into hosting an affair of this size, Cloud says it is quite an honor.
Special assistance with the program over the past three years came from Jason Anderson, assistant events manager with the U.S. Cellular Center and Mary Lee Malmberg, director of sports tourism for the Cedar Rapids Convention and Visitor's Bureau. This weekend, Cloud will have his entire athletics staff working, with the exception of the baseball and softball teams who are on the road. "We have scores of volunteers, from alumni to staff from all over the university," said Cloud. "Not to mention 15 former UIU wrestlers have come back to help, too." Cloud added, "We plan to put on a first-class event."
After the last wrestler leaves the building on Saturday evening, Cloud said he has planned a ‘thank-you' reception in the Crowne Plaza for his wrestlers, coaches, special guests and all who have volunteered.
Participating wrestlers will start arriving today, with practice beginning at noon. Upper Iowa's wrestling program is ranked ninth and will have six wrestlers competing. UIU wrestlers include junior Tyler Mumbalo, ranked No. 2 at 125 pounds (29-5 record); senior Tee Adams, ranked No. 5 at 149 pounds (15-4); sophomore Travis Eggers, ranked No. 7 at 157 pounds (27-8); sophomore Mitch Norton, ranked No. 6 at 165 pounds (19-7); junior Matt Norton, ranked No. 6 at 197 pounds (14-13); and senior Dan Goodson, ranked No. 5 in the Heavyweight class (22-8).
For a daily photo diary of the two-day event or more information about Upper Iowa University, visit www.uiu.edu.
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu
