AU To Host 2019 D-II Wrestling Championships In Cleveland

The NCAA announced on Tuesday (April 18) afternoon that Ashland University will work along side the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to host the 2019 Division II Wrestling National Championships at The Wolstein Center in Cleveland on March 8 and 9.

The Wolstein Center is on the campus of Cleveland State University, and has a capacity of 13,610.

"We are excited to partner with the Cleveland Sports Commission in bringing the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships to Cleveland," said Al King, Ashland Director of Athletics. "We did this several years ago, and the response from our student-athletes, fans and alumni was extremely positive.

"This is an opportunity to showcase some of the best collegiate wrestling in the country. Northeast Ohio has been a hotbed of wrestling for years, and we are thrilled to have a chance to bring the national stage to Cleveland."

Ashland also hosted nationals in 2014 at Public Hall in Cleveland. At the time, fourth-year AU head coach Josh Hutchens was in his first season with the Eagles.

"That was very exciting," Hutchens said. "It was great for our fans and great for our wrestlers. Now, after being here for four years, I'll be even more prepared and more excited."

In 2017, seven Eagles competed at the national meet in Birmingham, Ala., and Ashland placed sixth as a team.

"We had a good cheering section down in Alabama," Hutchens said. "I imagine it will be quite a bit bigger here."

Said King, "I want to thank the Cleveland Sports Commission for their part in this endeavor. The Commission is an exceptionally run organization, and I have all the confidence in the world that they will put on a first-class event."