Thursday January 17, 2008 2:00 p.m. (CDT)

"We're gonna tell you today that Oklahoma City University will host the NAIA wrestling championships in 2009-2010, and I'd really like for you to applaud that," said President of OCU, Tom McDaniel.

And the applause followed. Not only will the NAIA National Wrestling Championships bring in great athletes, but big money too.

Mike Carrier, President OKC Convention & Visitors Bureau said, "The hard economic dollars are gonna be approaching a million dollars, but beyond that what it brings to our community is literally millions of dollars, good press, publicity, and a good image of Oklahoma City."

Even though Oklahoma City had to put up a fight to win the bid, athletic director, Jim Abbott credits Oklahomans for selling OCU. But, he is still asking for help to produce this great event. 

"Starting today we are opening the doors and welcoming wrestling fans that wanna be involved in the committee that will put this on," said Jim Abbott, OCU Athletic Director

Of course the best past of this event will be the competitive wrestling. Head coach Archie Randall says his hopes are high for gold.

"Our goal is to win a national title," said Archie Randall, OCU head wrestling coach. "Look at all these banners up here, I want my banner up there."

With the home stands behind the stars coach Randall says he's confident they will bring home the hardware.  

"Home advantage is huge," said Randall. "Our kids have an opportunity to stay in their own beds, wrestle in their own home, have all their family and relatives."

"If front of home, my family and friends," said Mitchell Eichenauer, OCU wrestler. "I never won a state championship in high school so then to come here and maybe feel that win and win a national championship here is really a good opportunity and I'm really excited about it."

The national championahips will take place March 5-7, 2009 and March 4-6, 2010 at Abe Lemons Arena inside the Freede Center on the campus of Oklahoma City University.