. The new wrestling conference will consist of seven member programs which compete in NCAA Division II. The schools stretch along the eastern U.S., from Emmanuel College in Boston, to King University in Bristol, Tenn., along with two schools in North Carolina -- Belmont Abbey College and UNC Pembroke -- and three in South Carolina: Coker College, Limestone College, and Newberry College.
With the creation of the ECAC DII Wrestling League, wrestlers will have expanded opportunities to qualify for postseason competition and garner individual awards. In addition, the league expects to generate an increased presence for collegiate wrestling among southern schools.
"We are thrilled to add the ECAC Division II Wrestling League to our already-impressive list of leagues and affiliates," said ECAC President and CEO Dr. Kevin T. McGinniss. "The ECAC prides itself on being the "Home of Champions," and we are excited to offer further opportunities for our student-athletes to compete at the highest level while earning ECAC Division II Wrestling League and overall ECAC recognition for their accomplishments."
A number of wrestling coaches from schools within the new ECAC Division II Wrestling League weighed in with their assessment of the newly formed league.
"From a strategic perspective, this could not come at a better time for the wrestling program at Coker College," said Coker College head wrestling coach Cy Wainwright. "We are thrilled to be able to compete in the nation's largest conference as we look to get more recognition for our student-athletes."
"This partnership with the ECAC is really going to allow us to build the wrestling presence in the South," said Othello "O.T." Johnson, head wrestling coach at UNC Pembroke. "A conference identity is something that has been needed for a long time."
Jason Moorman, head wrestling coach at King University, agreed, adding "hopefully this will also encourage other NCAA Division II [schools] to strongly explore starting wrestling programs at their respective institutions."
Founded in 1938, the ECAC has emerged as the nation's largest athletic conference. From just 58 members at the start, the ECAC has grown to over 300 member schools in Divisions I, II and III. The ECAC has considerable geographic reach as well, with member schools spanning the eastern U.S. from Maine to Georgia, and as far west as Missouri. In the 2015-16 academic year, the ECAC will host nearly 100 championships in 32 men's and women's sports as the sponsors of over 5,800 varsity teams and 111,000 male and female athletes.
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