The National Collegiate Athletic Association has announced that it has awarded its 2006 Division II national championship wrestling tournament to The University of Findlay. The tournament is slated to be held at the University's Koehler Center sometime during early to mid-March.

"Our wrestling program and the athletic department at The University of Findlay is proud to be selected as the host of the 2006 national championships," said Roughneck wrestling coach Shawn Nelson. "Hosting the championships has been a goal of mine ever since I stepped into the coaching ranks. I can't wait to see all of the teams and fans come into Findlay. The business community will definitely notice the fans that come into town.

Steven Rackley, UF''s Director of Athletics, echoed Nelson''s comments. "I am tremendously excited about the opportunity to host this championship. It is a great opportunity to showcase not only our wrestling program, but our facilities, this institution and the entire Findlay community and surrounding area. I look forward to the challenges that come with planning an event of this magnitude, and I am confident both fans and teams from around the country will be impressed with what we have to offer here at Findlay."

Last year, the event was held at Minnesota State Mankato. The event drew 160 competitors and more than 10,000 spectators.

Findlay’s wrestling program, which has evolved into one of the best Division II programs in the nation, finished the championships last season in seventh place. Graduated senior Waylon Lowe also captured his third consecutive national championship, winning the 165 pound weight class. His previous two championships came at the 147 pound weight class.

The NCAA has held a national championship in wrestling for Division II since 1963.

Findlay will be just the third Ohio school to host the Division II national championships during its 41-year history. Wright State hosted the event in 1985 and Ashland, the last private university to host nationals, conducted the tournament in 1970.