The competition is fierce. Sweat and tears flow freely. It's the culmination of a season of dedication to the weight room, the practice mats and intense rivalries. But these athletes aren't supplementing their incomes with cushy scholarship checks. Their pain, suffering and successes are all voluntary.    The National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Tournament is being held at the University of Texas-Dallas March 11-12. Ninety college teams from across the country are sending 325 qualifiers to compete for a national title.     The NCWA hosts a popular national championship for colleges with non-varsity teams not affiliated with the NCAA, NAIA or NJCAA. The NCWA was founded by Jim Giunta eight years ago as a way to help to teach athletes how to approach their schools and get wrestling recognized as a sport.    Teams that are officially recognized by their schools can become eligible for university funding provided by the activity fees each college student pays when they enroll. Funding differs depending on the institution. The NCWA season concludes with the National Championships where the top six finishers at each weight class are crowned All-Americans and a team trophy is presented to the champion.     University of Central Florida seeks to repeat at NCWA National Championship     With eight champions and three second place finishers at the Southeast Conference Tournament, the University of Central Florida wrestling team looks poised to take home its second NCWA championship in a row.    Last year's runner-up, Grand Valley State University, also wrapped up its conference title with nine champions and one second-place finish at the North Central Conference Tournament.    In the Mid-Atlantic Conference, the Apprentice School who finished fourth in the 2004 Nationals, claimed six titles and three second-place finishes.    In the two-team Western Conference Tournament, host San Jose State narrowly defeated the University of California-San Diego, 72-69, with five champions in the tournament.    In another tight match-up, Kansas State edged host Texas Tech, 54-46, for the team title in the Southwest Conference. Kansas State brought home five champions, while Texas Tech managed six second-place finishers.    With two champions, three second and two third-place finishers, the University of New Hampshire cruised to the title in the Northeast Conference.    Proving its potential for dominance, the University of Central Florida holds a commanding lead in this year's NWCA point totals. Central Florida has collected an impressive 1873.05 points, while second place Northampton has just over half that total with 940 points. Newberry College (938.9), The Apprentice School (930.65) and Pensacola Christian (713.2) round out the top five NWCA point leaders.    Last year Central Florida narrowly defeated Grand Valley, 166-163.5, and was honored with head coach Johnny Rouse being named Coach of the Year.    Three wrestlers seek to defend NCWA National titles     Out of the over 300 wrestlers qualified for the NCWA National Tournament, only three return with a gold medal on their resumes from last year.     Northampton's Robert Zuber will defend his title at 149 pounds, but should find a handful of stiff competition. Last year's fourth-place finisher Mack Mroz of Grand Valley and fifth-place Jason Balma of UCF are back to work on a place on the podium. Adding to the challenge at 149 will be Steve McGettrick of Pensacola Christian who is currently No. 1 ahead of Zuber in individual points at 149 pounds and fourth on the overall points leaders list.     Two of Central Florida's dependable anchors are also looking to defend their titles. Seniors Tom Lawlor (235 lbs.) and Todd Hauser (197) are currently No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the individual point rankings and will be the men to beat in their weight classes.     Lawler goes into the tournament with a 34-2 record and 15 pins. Looking to dethrone him will be senior Brandon Bingler of Northampton who boasts a 25-1 record and is third on the overall individual points leaders list.       NCWA National Championships to be broadcast on the web     The NCWA is planning to broadcast all sessions of the tournament live on the web.     The free webcast can be found at www.RealTimeScoreBook.com and viewers can interact directly with the broadcaster to request specific athlete's matches.     All broadcasts are free, but small donations will be accepted to support the NCWA.     NCWA Open Mat Clinic to be held Thursday, March 10th     Fans and wrestlers will have a chance to meet some of the National qualifiers on March 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Open Mat Clinic at the University of Texas-Dallas.    Attendees are encouraged to bring wrestling gear and workout with the NCWA's top wrestlers.    Results from 2004 NCWA National Championship    Top 20 Teams    1. University of Central Florida, 166  2. Grand Valley State University, 163.5  3. Bethel College, 104.5  4. Apprentice School, 104  5. Douglas College, 63.5  6. Blair Academy, 60  7. Belmont Abbey, 42.5  8. Marion Military Institute, 34.5  9. Northampton Community College, 30  10. University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 29.5  11. Ohio State, 29  12. University of New Hampshire, 28.5  13. Auburn University, 28.5  14. Mott Community College, 28.5  15. Adirondack Community College, 27  16. Santa Fe Community College, 25  17. Texas Tech, 24.5  18. Texas A & M, 23.5  19. Maryville College, 22.5  20. Kansas State, 21    Champions  125 - Eric Vallejo (Bethel College) dec. Dave Miller (University of Central Florida), 5-3  133 - Vince Gervais (Grand Valley) dec. Adam Harada (Douglas College), 9-4  141 - Matt Palladino (Bethel College) dec. John Pineda (Douglas College), 8-6  149 - Robert Zuber (Northampton CC) dec. Jeff Davis (Apprentice), 6-4  157 - Chris Banket (Blair Academy) dec. Ron Vecchione (Apprentice), 4-2  165 - Willie Hosch (Catawba College) dec. Jeff Ruber (University of Central Florida), 4-3  174 - Rick Bolhuis (Grand Valley) dec. Raun Jessee (University of Central Florida), 4-3  184 - Jason Ruberg (University of Central Florida) dec. Eric Bendler (Santa Fe CC), 8-4  197 - Todd Hauser (University of Central Florida) pin Danny Fernandez University of Central Florida, 2:18  235 - Tom Lawlor (University of Central Florida) dec. Zachary Hammond (Blair Academy), 10-4  285 - Brandon Neuman (University of Richmond) dec. Ronald Richard (Belmont Abbey), 3-2