NCAA DII wrestling championships underway at Hartman Arena [Video]

PARK CITY, Kan. (KAKE) – The NCAA DII wrestling championships kicked off Friday at Hartman Arena with 180 wrestlers from 50 schools across the country and even one college from Canada. Local experts say even more than great wrestling, it’s a great opportunity.

“Just hanging out with my brother and watching his son and watching some decent wrestling today. Yeah, it’s been fun,” said Dale Blubaugh.

Blubaugh is in town from Indianapolis cheering on his nephew, and he says it’s obvious there’s some serious competition this year.

“Visit Wichita and Newman are proud to host the 2024 NCAA Division Two wrestling national championships out here at Hartman Arena. 180 athletes from all over the country, schools all over the country, competing for national championships,” said Josh Howell with Visit Wichita.

Howell says winning contracts to host events like this tournament isn’t easy. However, he says it’s not only an opportunity to continue putting the Wichita area on the map, but …