Athletics News

The North Idaho College wrestling team will kick off the 2009-2010 official season against Montana State University Northern at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 in NIC’s Christianson Gym.

The Nic wrestling team is seeking the 600th win in the program’s history, which includes 13 National Junior College Athletic Association championships, 49 NJCAA individual championships and 194 NJCAA national place winners.

The program was established in 1969 by former NIC chemistry instructor and coach Bill Pecha. Pecha passed the reins on to Les Hogan, who helped the team earn its first two national championships in 1974 and 1975. In 1976, John Owen took over the program, earning eight more national championships. Owen coached for 19 years at NIC, earning NJCAA Hall of Fame honors with a 304-23-2 record and later being inducted into the Idaho Humanitarian Hall of Fame and the NIC Athletics Hall of Fame. Former NIC All-American and two-time national coach of the year Pat Whitcomb replaced Owen in 1997 and currently serves as the head wrestling coach at NIC.

Overall, North Idaho College’s wrestling program holds the most team and individual championships and national place winners of any wrestling program in the country.

The Oct. 30 match against Montana State will feature three returning All-Americans, Kamron Jackson and Celic Bell from South Haven, Mich., and Rudi Burtschi from Oakdale, Calif.

Anyone who wears a costume to the match will receive free Halloween candy and will be entered into a drawing for various prizes.

Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and senior citizens and free for children ages 10 and younger.

Information: (208) 769-3348.

Members of the North Idaho College wrestling team hold their National Junior College Athletic Association Region 18 championship trophy following the tournament in February 2009.