GU Introduces Wrestling for Fall 2013

Graceland University is excited to announce the addition of wrestling to the University sports programs. The 2013/2014 academic year at Graceland will begin with the addition of three new and exciting programs: Wrestling, Bowling and Drum line.

Jeff Falkner, GU Athletic Director, is excited to bring the Wrestling Program back to the University. According to Falkner, wrestling at Graceland has a strong tradition and impressive history of past success. Retired Graceland Coach Jerry Hampton recorded 238 wins and only 87 losses in 22 seasons (from 1960 to 1982) and never lost a Conference Championship.

Wrestling has grown tremendously not only in the state of Iowa but across the country over the past few years, and GU is happy to bring the program back. The state of Iowa has long been considered an amateur wrestling hotbed, birthplace to some all-time mat greats, and four college wrestling programs that have won NCAA Division I team titles.  

The program is expected to attend many of the nation’s top events as it grows.

“We are proud to offer another option to accommodate the growing demand among student-athletes to compete in this popular sport,” said Kirk Bjorland, Vice President for Enrollment Management. “It only makes sense that the University is bringing back the Wrestling Program, and we are proud that GU has made the decision to do it during the coming Fall 2013 semester.”

Graceland University is now conducting a nationwide search for a wrestling coach.

More information will be on the GU website in the coming weeks. 

If interested in joining the GU Wrestling team and to learn more about available scholarship opportunities, contact Kirk Bjorland, Vice President for Enrollment Management at kirk.bjorland@graceland.edu or call 641-784-5110.