NCAA D3 History
The non-athletic scholarship division of the NCAA. These schools primary focus is on their academics. It officially became ‘D3’ in 1973 when the University and Collegiate divisions were renamed with the Collegiate division then separated into schools that wanted to offer athletic scholarships and those that didn’t. Those that did not are part of D3.
NCAA Established
Wrestling becomes 3rd sponsored sport
Collegiate Division
NCAA splits the national championship into University (D1) and Collegiate divisions (D2).
D3 Established
With the split of the Collegiate Division ‘D3’ is officially established.
First Champs
The first D3 wrestling tournament is held and won by Wilkes.
D1 Champ
Ken Mallory of Montclair State became the first D3 wrestler to win a D1 title winning at 134.
First 3x Champ
Jim Weir of John Carroll wins his 3rd title, this time at 167.
Can’t Hear You
Matt Hamill of Rochester Institute wins his first of 3x straight titles despite being deaf since birth.
No Legs, No Problem
Nick Ackerman wins a national title wrestling for Simpson despite having no legs.
First 4x Undefeated Champ
Marcus LeVesseur of Augsburg becomes not only the first 4x Champ, but he also goes undefeated for his career.
COVID
2 years of national tournaments are canceled due to the COVID pandemic.