CAMPAIGN GOAL:
$1.95 Million
Donations to the Never Stop Climbing Campaign can be made securely online by clicking the donate button below.
Checks payable to “WLU Foundation” can be mailed to the address below. Please note
“Never Stop Climbing” in the memo.
WLU Foundation
208 University Drive CUB 126
West Liberty, WV 26074
Never Stop Climbing Campaign
The Coach Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex will honor the trailblazing legacy of its namesake while providing WLU Men’s and Women’s Wrestling Programs with an enhanced and excellent training environment.
Bobby Douglas burst onto the national scene by winning the NAIA national championship at 130 pounds. He became the first black athlete to enter the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1987. He is also a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame, the NAIS Hall of Fame, the Arizona Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Iowa (Glen Brand) Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Lou Holtz Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame and the OVAC Hall of Fame.
Douglas wrestled or coached in six Olympic Games along with numerous World and Pan Am competitions. He was the first Black head coach of the U.S. Olympic Team in 1992, when he was honored as the USA Freestyle Wrestling Coach of the Year. He coached the U.S. team at the 1989, 1991, 2002 and 2003 World Championships and led the 1989 World Cup and 1991 Pan Am teams while serving on staff at various other international competitions.
Douglas coached at Arizona State from 1975-1992 where he guided the Sun Devils to the 1988 Division I national title. The Sun Devils are the only school in the West to claim the national title. Arizona State also was NCAA Runners-up twice (1989, 1990) and claimed nine conference championships. Under Douglas, ASU finished in the Top 10 at NCAA’s nine times.
Building On Our Legacy
Every facet of the WLU Wrestling program will be enhanced by the improvements and renovations encompassed by this project.
Wrestling Room
The site of the former swimming pool will be transformed into a 4,200 square foot wrestling room with space for 24 training circles and the ability to accommodate up to 48 athletes. The larger footprint will allow for safer and more efficient training. In addition, there will be ample wall space to showcase champions and recognize the rich history of the program.
Athletic Training Room
This dedicated space will service the program’s 80-plus athletes and coaches and will feature full-time hot and cold tubs as well as an ice machine. An on-site training room will allow our wrestlers to maximize each day of training.
Integrated Strength
& Cardio Area
Cardio and strength training equipment will overlook the mat area, which will allow athletes to remain engaged with coaching staff and their teammates during periods of rehab. This will have a positive impact on performance as well as retention.
Men’s Locker Room
Shower and bathroom area will be completely updated and new windows and ventilation will be added.
Women’s Locker Room
Shower and bathroom area will be completely updated and new windows and ventilation will be added. The installation of 30 lockers, furniture, lighting and other amenities will create a clean, safe and comfortable space for our female athletes.
Coaches’ Locker Room
The shower area will be updated and lockers will be installed.
Coaches’ Offices
These areas will be finished with proper furnishings for meetings, film review and recruitment to attract the next wave of Hilltoppers.
NAMING OPPORTUNITES
We hope you share our excitement for the Coach Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex. Every gift is important, and your support at any level will help male and female wrestlers at WLU continue to “Climb the Hill.” We are offering the opportunity to name parts of the Wrestling Complex for gifts at specific levels.
The Coach Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex will be the home of the Coach Vince Monseau Wrestling Room and the Coach Price Men’s Locker Room – existing tributes to two of WLU’s transformative coaches. Additions to the wrestling complex will provide the following opportunities for naming and recognition:
NAMING OPORTUNITIES
DISTINCTION LEVELS
Bobby Douglas Bronze Statue – $100,000
Hall of Champions – $100,000
Strength & Conditioning Area – $100,000
Wrestling Mats – $100,000
Coaches’ Locker Room – $50,000
Training Room – $50,000
Student Athlete Lounge – $50,000
Women’s Locker Room – $50,000
Cardio Machine (20 Available) – $5,000
Affinity Level – $250,000
Olympic Level – $100,000
National Champion Level – $50,000
All-American Level – $25,000
National Level Qualifier – $10,000
Varsity Club – $5,000
Climb the Hill – $1,000
Donors to the Climb the Hill Campaign will be recognized in a visible tribute in the Wrestling Complex. In addition, donors at each of the levels will receive specific expressions of appreciation. Donors of $5,000 or more will receive a custom Bobby Douglas fanny pack with nail clippers and a token sure to resonate with those who know Coach Douglas best.