Ponte Vedra Beach, FL - The 2024 NWCA Convention, presented by Defense Soap, Cliff Keen, Resilite, and the US Marine Corps, was a resounding success. It brought together approximately 450 coaches, exhibitors, and administrators from across the nation. Held from July 26-28 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa in picturesque Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, the three-day event was a blend of networking, learning, and celebrating the sport of wrestling.

Collegiate CEO Leadership Academy
The momentum for the convention began even before the official start, with the NWCA hosting its annual Collegiate CEO Leadership Academy on July 24-25. Now a staple in the wrestling community, this prestigious program saw 81 coaches from various colleges nationwide come together for an intensive leadership development experience. Made possible through the generous support of NWCA donors, the academy provided full scholarships to all participants, emphasizing the organization's commitment to nurturing the next generation of wrestling leaders.

Facilitated by renowned experts Dr. Dan Gould, Dr. Dennis Johnson, and Dr. Scott Westfall, the sessions were designed to equip coaches with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex landscape of collegiate athletics. The academy offered a unique opportunity for these coaches to connect with some of the top mentor coaches in the country, sharing insights and experiences that would help them lead their programs more effectively. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and growth, setting the stage for the main convention to follow.

The Exhibitor Social: A Warm Welcome
The highly anticipated Exhibitor Social marked the official kickoff of the NWCA Convention on Thursday night. Held in the elegant Grand Ballroom, this event perfectly blended professional networking and personal connection. Attendees and their families were treated to a delightful array of hors d'oeuvres, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement.

Friday's Kickoff: Breakfast Keynote and Leadership Panel
Friday morning began with a bang as the convention officially opened with the Breakfast Keynote. Mike Moyer, Executive Director of the NWCA, delivered the State of the Union address for wrestling, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape. While celebrating the positive strides made in recent years, Moyer also cautioned, reminding the audience that complacency could be the sport's biggest enemy. His words resonated with the crowd, inspiring a renewed commitment to wrestling's growth and sustainability.

Following Moyer's address, the spotlight shifted to a leadership panel featuring two distinguished United States Marine Corps members Col. Joseph Galvin and Maj. Evita Mosqueda, Moderated by NWCA Deputy Director Dr. Jackie Paquette, the panel delved into leadership, discipline, and resilience—values central to wrestling and military service. The discussion provided valuable insights, reinforcing the strong bond between the NWCA and the USMC and highlighting the shared mission of developing leaders both on and off the mat.

Salute to Service Luncheon: Honoring the Marines
The Marine Corps' involvement in the convention continued after the leadership panel. Later on Friday, the Marines hosted their Salute to Service Luncheon, a powerful event that underscored the impact of military service on the wrestling community. Col. Joseph Galvin giving an inspiration talk while Head coaches Chris Bono (Wisconsin), Tony Ersland (Purdue), Deral Brown (Newberry), and Spencer Adams (Taylor County H.S.) took the stage to share personal stories of athletes whose lives had been transformed by their experiences with the Marine Corps.

These testimonials were a poignant reminder of the profound influence that the Marines have had on the sport, providing young athletes with life-changing opportunities and instilling values that extend far beyond the wrestling mat. The luncheon was a celebration of this partnership, as coaches expressed their gratitude to the Marines for their unwavering support and dedication to the development of America's youth.

Friday Night Hall of Fame Banquets
This year saw the Hall of Fame program grow from hosting not only the NCAA Division II and Division III Men's Banquets, but also added the NAIA Men's Banquet.  These three banquets each took place in a ballroom of its own hosting a prevent social followed by a catered meal.  This years inductees were as follows.

• NAIA Men
  • Mike Machholz, Missouri Valley College
• NCAA Division II Men
  • John Davis, Morgan State
  • Donovan McMahill, Western Colorado
  • Matt Meuleners, Northern State
  • Mario Morgan, Nebraska-Omaha
  • Josh Shields, Mercyhurst
  • Roger Singleton, Grand Valley
  • William Smith, Morgan State
• NCAA Division III Men
  • Rick Cole, Official
  • Nazar Kulchytskyy, UW-Oshkosh
  • Dave Malecek, UW-La Crosse
  • Lucas Malmberg, Messiah
  • Dave Miller, Wabash
  • Rick Stahl, Official
  • Byron Tate, Wartburg

Saturday Awards Luncheon: Celebrating Excellence
As the convention continued into Saturday, the focus shifted to recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals and programs within the wrestling community. The Awards Luncheon, sponsored by NanoXtream Cream, featured a keynote address by Dr. Philomena Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University. Dr. Mantella, a true trailblazer in her own right, has been instrumental in reinstating the men's wrestling program at GVSU and launching a new women's program—a testament to her commitment to the sport and its future.

Dr. Mantella's keynote was both inspiring and thought-provoking. She shared her journey of leadership and her vision for the future of collegiate wrestling. Her efforts have had a significant impact on the sport's growth, particularly in expanding opportunities for female athletes. The luncheon also served as a platform to honor those who have made exceptional contributions to wrestling, with awards being presented to deserving individuals who have demonstrated excellence in coaching, mentorship, and service to the sport.

Celebration of Women in Wrestling: Honoring Trailblazers
Saturday evening marked one of the most significant events of the convention—the Celebration of Women in Wrestling Dinner, presented by the USMC. This event was a powerful tribute to the women who have played a pivotal role in wrestling's growth and success, both on the mat and behind the scenes.

Dorothy Mayabb served as the evening's emcee, guiding the audience through heartfelt speeches and presentations including one from the USMC's Maj. Evita Mosqueda. The highlight of the night was the presentation of the inaugural Trailblazer Awards, given to three outstanding individuals: Clarissa Chun (University of Iowa), Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling), and Ashley Flavin (Life University). These trailblazers were recognized for their remarkable contributions to the advancement of women's wrestling, paving the way for future generations of female athletes.

The dinner celebrated individual achievements and recognized the collective progress made in the sport. It was a night filled with pride, inspiration, and a shared commitment to continuing the momentum of promoting women's wrestling at all levels.

Key Sessions and Meetings: Engaging the Community
Throughout the convention, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sessions and meetings, each designed to address the specific needs and interests of the wrestling community. Some of the most attended sessions included "Tough Calls for High School, Collegiate Men, and Collegiate Women," "Mental Health for High School Coaches," "Recruitment and Retention," and the rules sessions for each division.
The Technique Sessions, led by experts like Dean Heil (George Mason) and Ashley Flavin (Life), were also a major draw, offering coaches and athletes practical insights and strategies to improve performance. These sessions were a testament to the NWCA's commitment to providing valuable educational opportunities for its members.

One of the convention's largest draws was the college business and championship meetings for each collegiate division—NAIA, NCAA, and NJCAA. These meetings provided a platform for coaches and administrators to discuss important issues, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to elevate their programs.

For those interested in continuing their professional development, the NWCA's partnership with the United States Sports Academy allows convention attendees to earn 2 CEU Credits by visiting https://www.nwcaonline.com/ceu.

Looking Ahead: 2025 NWCA Convention
As the 2024 NWCA Convention ended, there was already a sense of excitement for the future. The NWCA announced that the 2025 Convention would once again be held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa, from August 1-3. With registration now open, attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early for what promises to be another extraordinary event. Registration - https://www.nwcaconvention.com.