Wrestling added at Davenport University

NEW COLLEGE PROGRAM RECRUITING TO START 2014-15 SEASON IN GRAND RAPIDS

Davenport University Athletics special release to Michigan Grappler – 4-9-2014

Davenport University has announced  the sport of  wrestling will be added to an extensive list of intercollegiate sport offerings.  The main Lettinga campus of Davenport is located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Jamie Boyd was recently announced as the program’s first head coach. The initial team is being recruited to begin competition during the upcoming 2014-15 season.

Boyd emerged as the selected candidate after an extensive search process.

“The candidate pool was strong and we appreciate the candidates who entered the process. We feel that Coach Boyd has the background and qualifications to not only handle first year challenges, but also lead this program to high levels of competitive success in the years to come. We are pleased he has accepted the opportunity to guide a new program. We are now seeking top quality student/athletes who will also embrace the challenge and compete on this historic first team,” said Mike Stodola, Assistant Director of Athletics.

One of the significant concerns is recruiting the first year class throughout all weight classes.

“We need to fill 10 weight classes. We will not be able to target a specific need or weight class, which is the challenge that most collegiate programs face in a given year,” said Boyd.  This is expected to offer incoming recruits competition and opportunity up and down the roster.

Boyd comes to Davenport University in a natural progression through his career of which his love of the sport of wrestling has been the centerpiece.  He enrolled at the University of Notre Dame and wrestled at the NCAA Division I level during the first three years of his collegiate career. He was a three year starter for the Irish. He concluding is collegiate career at Central Michigan University, placing 2^nd in the MAC as a fifth-year senior. He holds a BA degree in business from Notre Dame, and a MSA in Sport Administration from Central Michigan University. He has coached at the collegiate level, and most recently, moves from a recent stint at nearby Grand Rapids West Catholic High School.

Davenport University has one of the most rapidly growing athletic departments in Michigan and throughout the Midwest United States.  The decision to add the sport of Wrestling is a logical next step, and one that will attract student athletes who love the sport and are seeking scholarship athletic opportunities. Fewer opportunities to participate at the collegiate level in Michigan and throughout the Midwest is expected to add to the interest in this program.  The addition of the sport is a part of Strategic Planning process that has been occurring over several years. The 2014-15 addition of wrestling will be followed by the addition of a new football program, scheduled to begin competition in 2016-17.

Davenport has a history of funding all of its’ programs well to offer potential for competitive success. Incoming student athletes will be provided with excellent resources and amenities. Areas of support include athletic equipment and gear, necessary meals, travel and lodging. Boyd will begin the process soon of seeking an Assistant Coaching staff.

To learn more about Wrestling at Davenport, please visit the website http://dupanthers.com

Athletes interested in the program are encouraged to fill out the athlete questionnaire, located on the website.

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