160 Teams in NCWA and Counting

The top five guys each year at NCWA nationals are legit. For example, last year at 125 the runner up, who wrestles for a program that is now Div. 2 (Newman), is currently ranked top 5 in Div 2. There is certainly some room for comparison, espescially considering 125 is not one of the deepest weights. NCWA has grown in the past 5 years to a level that is certainly comparable with division 2 and 3 competition.

I have stated before, but I think the NCWA may be the future of collegiate wrestling. Yes, the elite top of the top wrestlers will mostly attend D1programs. I think just like the NAIA has attracted many elite wrestlers, NCWA may do so in the near future. Think about it, title 9 is not an issue with the NCWA where supposedly that is one of the big reasons that programs are being dropped in D1.

I am guessing anywhere between 5-10 years with possibly more scholarship programs entering the NCWA, many elite wrestlers may go that route. We will have to wait and see.

People talk about building from the ground up. That where Jim has put his sweat and reputation on the line.

I could not be prouder to have competed and worked my ass off to, not just compete for UF and SFCC, but to have been partly responsible for making wrestling possible for other students at UF & SFCC.
Leadership in the NCWA is about not just getting ready to compete, but overcoming the hurdles to compete that NCWA teams face. Div.I wrestlers are the best in the country, but many of them could not do what NCWA athletes do.
Build a team, file the paperwork, raise the funds, recruit students to fill the roster, organize the travel, and then......after all that and more....represent your school on the mat.
THAT is leadership. NCWA student/athlete/leaders are ready for the real lessons of the world where NOTHING is given to you. You have to make it, then take it.
Thank you Jim and all the other people who make the NCWA possible.

I attend the Finals every year and I can tell you the top guys are D1 material. The coaches and wrestlers wrestle for the pure love of the sport and there is a higher "sense of passion" than any other event. Jim Guinta has done something special here!