The NWCA Board of Directors has awarded The University of Minnesota as the host institution to the 2013 NWCA/ Cliff Keen Division I National Duals Presented by Hibiclens and the Marines. This event is also dubbed as the “Mat Mayhem†Championship Finals and will be held on February 22-23 in Williams Arena starting Friday at 6 p.m. “In addition to our event title and presenting sponsors, we want to extend a heartfelt thanks to NWCA benefactor and founder of Beat the Streets-Los Angeles, Andy Barth, for his incredibly generous and ongoing support of this signature event. The National Duals would not be sustainable without the significant donor and sponsor support, said NWCA president, Rob Koll. “It is exciting for the state of Minnesota,†said Minnesota Head Coach J. Robinson “It’s exciting for the state to host one of the premier wrestling events in the country.†The University of Minnesota was selected to host the event due to its ability to assist in the fulfillment of the event wide goal of growing the sport of wrestling, especially through increasing spectatorship by creating a one of a kind fan experience through a dual meet tournament. Event organizers hope to reach this goal is by having a strong host fan base working to create an electrifying event atmosphere that fans will remember for years. “The University of Minnesota is a very attractive venue because they have one of the top three wrestling spectator bases of all division one teams. Further, our very loyal mid-west spectator base is also within “easy†driving distance,†said NWCA President Rob Koll. Koll further stated that most participating teams would have reduced travel costs and easier access to the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota and Williams Arena is located about fifteen miles from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. The Gophers are no stranger to hosting large wrestling events. In 2002 they hosted the Border Brawl in which 15,646 fans were in attendance at the local, off-campus Target Center to see the Gophers defeat Iowa. The more than 15,000 fans present that day set a new record for attendance at a collegiate dual wrestling meet. Minnesota, currently the number three ranked team in the nation, is especially excited to host the event as they are the reigning champions of the event. “With us hosting, I think our guys have taken their excitement one step further,†said Robinson. “They are looking forward to wrestling in front of their home crowd against the best in the country. It’s a chance to showcase how good Minnesota is. There aren’t too many times where you get the chance to do that. “ Robinson, who has been the head coach for the Gophers for 27 years, has long been a proponent of the National Dual Meet Championships and has worked a great deal in assisting the NWCA in growing the sport of wrestling. “We are forever grateful that so many faithful coaches, wrestlers, sponsors, and fans have embraced the National Duals concept over the years. Being able to have Coach Robinson play an integral part in the 2013 Championships shows his dedication to the prominence of the dual meet.†said Mike Moyer, executive director of the NWCA. The finals will be the last stage of the newly reformatted National Dual Meet Championships. The finals event will feature four teams via automatic bids; Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio State, and a championship team out of each of the four regional events on February 17 (an 8 team field). Fox College Sports will be broadcasting 10 dual meets from the event on a 2 week tape delay to a potential universe of 54 million homes. Each dual will also be re-broadcasted a minimum of 10 times to a potential universe of 54 million homes each time. Tickets to the event are on sale and can be purchased via Minnesota Athletics. For additional pricing, seating and purchasing information, visit the Minnesota Athletics Site. For more event information, go to the National Duals page at nwcaonline.com. About the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) 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. About Cliff Keen Cliff Keen Athletic is a wrestling and officials wear company, dedicated to the advancement of athletics through innovative products and communications. Cliff Keen Athletic exemplifies the rich traditions of sport and the superior quality of athletic wear required for holding up to the rigors of competition. About Hibiclens Hibiclens is an antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleanser possessing bactericidal properties that can be part of an effective defense for preventing the spread of skin infections. Its active ingredient works in a unique way — it kills germs on contact and bonds to the skin to keep killing microorganisms up to 6 hours after washing. Hibiclens® has been proven to kill MRSA (in vitro) and other staph infections. About the United States Marine Corps On November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was established by the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since then, the Marine Corps, through service on land, in air, and at sea, have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term “Marine†has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue. Whether facing our nation’s foes or conducting humanitarian relief and disaster recovery operations at home or abroad, today’s Marine Corps stands ready to continue in the same proud tradition of faithful service to the United States. For more information, visit http://www.Marines.com. About Beat-The-Streets/LA Beat the Streets – Los Angeles, a nonprofit corporation, strives to cultivate and support youth development programs in underserved communities in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Within this context, Beat the Streets – LA utilizes the sport of wrestling to foster and encourage a desire for excellence, respect for peers, fair play, leadership, and perseverance. With community engagement and investment, Beat the Streets – LA will provide support and direction for youth programs, enhancing young men and women’s lives in school, sports and the community.