RELEASED:  Wednesday, January 13, 2009

UW-Stevens Point Wrestling Facility Named In Honor Of Founder John E. Roberts

STEVENS POINT, Wis.--The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will honor the founder of UW-Stevens Point wrestling, Coach John Roberts, by naming its soon-to-be renovated wrestling facility in his honor during a ceremony Friday, January 15, at 5:45 p.m. in Berg Gymnasium.

“We are proud to honor Coach Roberts through the naming of this facility for his accomplishments, hard work, leadership and outstanding character,” said Athletic Director Frank O’Brien. “What a wonderful opportunity we have to capture the spirit of Pointer wrestling for the past, present and future generations of fans and alumni. We want everyone to feel the sense of pride and tradition we have in Pointer Athletics and the wrestling program and there is no better example than John Roberts for what this facility represents.”

The facility renovation and naming in honor of John Roberts is part of a recent successful campaign at UW-Stevens Point aimed at showcasing the university’s storied tradition in athletics. Fundraising for this project started last fall 2009 and all of the funds from the campaign will be used to showcase the recognition of Coach Roberts, renovation and enhancement of the wrestling practice facility, and wrestling program enhancements.

John Roberts served as the founder and head coach at UW-Stevens Point, then known as Central State College, in the inaugural 1951 season. He also served as the dean of men for the college, started the wrestling program at P.J. Jacobs High School in Stevens Point, and served as the executive director for the WIAA for almost three decades.

Johnny Johnson, current Pointer men’s wrestling coach, is excited about the campaign that recently met the initial goal to launch construction which started late last week.

 “I am very excited about this project on many levels. It will strengthen an already nationally recognized program by improving facilities and increasing exposure” said Johnson. “It has brought out great support from our friends, family and alumni. And most importantly, we are able to recognize an outstanding individual and icon of the wrestling community, John Roberts.”

For more information on the Athletic Traditions fundraising effort or to donate, please contact Tony Romano, assistant director of development at 715-346-3406 or Tony.Romano@uwsp.edu.