Laker Wrestling Association Information

Grand Valley State athletics announced the creation of the Laker Wrestling Association (LWA) in the pursuit to build the legacy of the GVSU men's and women's wrestling programs. The LWA offers alumni, parents, friends, and others the opportunity to be involved and engaged in both programs and help ensure their long-term success.  

As a member of the LWA, you will have a variety of exclusive benefits, including special invitations, mat-side seating, and official GVSU wrestling apparel. Through these experiences, the association seeks to connect and gain the strength that the wrestling community needs to support the Laker student-athletes.  

"The Laker Wrestling Association presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with both of our men's and women's wrestling programs," said Keri Becker, Director of Athletics at GVSU. "Not only does it provide an opportunity to support either or both of these teams with a gift, but it also provides the donor with benefits directly attached to the programs." 

The Laker Wrestling Association was founded to support and develop our athletes with the resources necessary to compete at the highest level. 

"The wrestling community continues to amaze me with the tremendous support for the sport at all levels," said Becker." "We had a group of 15 individuals who stepped forward to become board members. They have worked through the last year to establish bylaws and working committees. The association is well thought out, organized and will lead in a way that will serve our wrestling teams into the future. The LWA invites alumni, parents, friends, and the entire wrestling community to get connected to GVSU men's and women's wrestling." 

The LWA wants to extend a special thanks its board members: John Harris, Brian Smith, Rick Vaughn, Roger Singleton, George Manson, Doug Reed, John Sanderson, Bill Roersma, Marvin Boluyt, Fred Creager, Seth Konynenbelt, Jackie Paquette, Jim Scott, Jeff Skinner, and Katie Haynes. 

"In this time of a changing landscape in college sports, successful teams need extended support both financially and through their fan base," said John Harris, president of the Laker Wrestling Association. "The Laker Wrestling Association will extend both financial and fan support to the men's and women's varsity wrestling teams. It will also build a community of GVSU wrestling supporters whether they're alumni, family of current team members, coaches and wrestlers, or simply people who love the sport. 

"I'm honored to serve as the inaugural president of the Laker Wrestling Association because I believe it will help our men's and women's teams reach their true potential," added Harris. I often say wrestling is a way of life and those in the sport understand what I mean. The association will allow for more people to be part of the Laker wrestling family, and the bonus is the benefits that come with being a member." 

Give back today to the men's and women's wrestling programs with different levels to offer. The LWA has four different levels to offer when it comes to becoming an exclusive member. To learn more or become a member of the Laker Wrestling Association, visit this Link. 

For any other further information or questions, please contact Kim Schmidt 

Email: schmidtk@gvsu.edu