The FAMU wrestling team, No. 23 in the latest National Collegiate Wrestling Association coaches poll, will travel to the NCWA National Tournament, March 2-4, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
While most wrestling squads bring 20 wrestlers to major competitions, the FAMU team has had a strong showing with only four wrestlers. All four of the wrestlers that FAMU sent to the regionals qualified for nationals.
The FAMU team, currently the only team from a historically black college in the NCWA, participates in the leagues largest region.
Financial struggles have been a constant concern for the team. The club could only afford to take four wrestlers to regionals because of budget constraints. With nationals a week away, the team was still unsure if all four wrestlers would be able to attend.
Last year, seven wrestlers qualified for nationals. Of the seven, only one was able to make the trip. "The last two years we've been making it off $400. Budget-wise we really don't have anything to work with," said Wrestling Coach Thomas White.
Much of the concern regarding the trip to nationals has been stilled. All four wrestlers and three staff members will make the trip. White has also secured lodging for the trip.
The university has agreed to cover the cost of transportation for the team. The team has raised $1,600 to help defray other expenses.