The NCWA Board has approved the recommendation of the National Tournament Search Committee to accept a contract offered by the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico to host the 2023 National Collegiate Wrestling Championships at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.

The decision was made after an exhaustive search starting in May when the Credit Union of Texas Arena in Allen, Texas became unavailable. The Committee Considered Sites in Reno, NV. Daytona, FL. Provo, Ut. Iowa City IA, and many others but Puerto Rico emerged as the overwhelming best choice for the 26th Annual NCWA National Collegiate Wrestling Championships.

The move to host Nationals in Puerto Rico comes as part of a bold undertaking by the NCWA to bring folkstyle wrestling to the colleges and universities of PR. Eight of the schools on the Island have committed to join the NCWA and have hired or are actively hiring coaches to fulfill their desire to bring college wrestling to their respective schools. As you may have already noticed on the NCWA official website 4 teams are already approved and listed for competition this season.

Puerto Rico has pushed hard to get the Nationals there on their Island. When we arrive to compete in March, the NCWA athletes will be making history by being largest college event in the history of Puerto Rico. Many teams are planning early arrivals, or extended stays, over their spring breaks to enjoy the culture, food, warm beaches and amazing sunshine. The white sandy beaches boast amazingly warm waters in the 80’s throughout the year, with March being typically 82-85 degrees. With winter cabin fever at its peak, some warm tropical breezes will be a welcome change for many wrestlers, coaches and families.

Hotels will be posted shortly with team and family rates. Many unheard of for a beach location during spring break. Families can take advantage of the discounted rates to plan a vacation alongside the National Championships.

A special thanks goes out to Carlos Deliz with Discover Puerto, Jerry Orsini for housing, transportation, facilities and contracts, and especially to visionary Jose Betancourt of the University of Puerto Rico who believed and fought to bring college wrestling to the people and student athletes of Puerto Rico.