After residing in the state of Delaware the last six years, the National Wrestling Coaches Association has found a new home for one of its three premier events, the Brute Scholastic Showcase. 

The annual event, sanctioned by USA Wrestling, brings together state all-star teams of freshman, sophomores and juniors in a dual meet format to determine a team champion. 

Countless NCAA All-Americans and national champions have competed in the event in the past, which has been held at Delaware State University, the University of Delaware and its long-time home, Battle Creek, Mich. 

Now, the NWCA looks to the southwest 30 miles and finds York, Pa., as the new home for the event, to be held April 11-12, 2008 at the York Expo Center's Toyota Arena. 

"We are very excited to bring the 2008 Brute Scholastic Showcase to York County," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "York County's a prime location and outstanding facilities were a key factor in moving our event and we look forward to the opportunities they have to offer us in expanding the competition. 

"More than 450 athletes and their friends and families will have the opportunity to experience the many great things York County has to offer," said Moyer. 

Last year's event, held at Memorial Gym at in Dover, Del., featured 182 state placewinners, 84 state finalists and 42 state champions. 

The NWCA is looking to expand the event, which last year featured one of many state champion vs. state champion bouts as Scott Winston of New Jersey edged Quentin Wright of Pennsylvania in overtime. 

"Obviously this is a premier facility," said Moyer. "The goal is to expand this to 50 teams - one all-star team per state and bring it under one roof right here at the York Expo Center." 

For York, the event is just another in a long line of athletic events and competitions that have relocated to the area. Following the 15th annual Brute Scholastic Showcase, York will host the Pennsylvania State Bowling Association Youth Tournament, a trio of ASA national-level softball tournaments, the Keystone State Games and the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Tournament. 

One of the USA Taekwondo Trials will also be held in York County. 

"We anticipate a $500,000 economic impact," said Moyer. "We share in the community and hope to get the region involved." 

Among the people in attendance at Thursday morning's press conference were Pennsylvania House Rep. Ron Miller, County Commissioner Doug Hoke and the General Manager of the York Expo Center, Michael Froehlich. 

Rep. Miller recalled a recent tour of the arena before construction completed and explained a friend pointing out how many volleyball courts you stage in the expansive place. 

"'Volleyball?' I said. 'How many wrestling mats can you get in here," said Miller, who represents the 93rd District in Southern York County and was also Dallastown High School's first state wrestling champion. 

"This will be a great venue for wrestling and I'll make sure it's on my schedule," said Miller. 

As of February 21, 15 teams have committed to compete and the number is expected to reach 24 as there are several states interested in attending for the first time. 

"We've received new inquiries this year from Kentucky, New Mexico and Nevada," said NWCA Director of Operations Tammy Tedesco. 

So with a new home, not far from the national office, the NWCA's Brute Scholastic Showcase will be another solid national even added to the Sport York organization and a fine facility for the NWCA's premier high school event. 

"This is a great partnership," said Moyer. "The work done by the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau and our staff at the NWCA to bring this event to the York Expo Center will continue to better everyone involved." 

The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate programs. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. 

The NWCA, through its organizational structure, promotes communication, recognizes achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events, and serves as an educational and informational source. Additionally, the NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of athletic competition.