2012 National Wrestling Hall Of Fame’s Outstanding American Recipient, Andy Barth sponsors “Mat Mayhem” 

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Board of Directors is extremely excited to announce that Andy Barth has stepped to the plate in a huge way to make sure the 2012 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals presented by Hibiclens & The Marines is positioned to significantly grow the spectator and media base of intercollegiate wrestling.

“The funds donated by Andy Barth will be utilized to make sure the inaugural Mat Mayhem Tournament has the necessary logistical, spectator, and media support to be sustainable. The success of this event is crucial to significantly growing the regular season dual meet spectator base at the campus level.  This event doesn’t happen without Andy’s incredibly generous support,” said Brian Smith, NWCA President.        

Andy Barth, who is currently Chairman of the Capital Guardian Trust Company, has deep roots in the wrestling community.  Barth graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Economics from Columbia in 1983 and was a four year member of the Lions wrestling program.  Columbia University won Ivy League championships in the first three years he was on the team.  Barth served as team captain his senior year.

In 2004, Barth gave back to his alma mater by making a significant donation to Columbia University to endow their wrestling program, creating the Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling position and also to upgrade their wrestling facilities.   More recently, he is in the process of bringing Beat the Streets to Los Angeles.  This program is designed to provide inner city, underprivileged youth with an opportunity to reach their full human potential through participation in wrestling.   

“The National Duals brings it all together for the wrestling fan:  great wrestlers competing against each other, great coaches strategizing against each other, and great teams giving their all for each other. What more can a wrestling fan want.  This is a wonderful idea that will just get better with time.  I am thrilled that the NWCA asked me to be a part of it,” said Barth.

In June, 2012, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma will be awarding Barth the prestigious “Outstanding American” award based on his use of skills learned in wrestling to achieve extraordinary success in business.   

For coverage of the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals – Mat Mayhem finals visit:
http://www.nwcaonline.com/NWCAWebSite/Events/nwcanationalduals/mat-mayhem

The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on developing coaches who work in academic environments.   The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. 

The three core competencies of the NWCA are: Coaching Development, student-athlete welfare, and promotion of wrestling.