July 24, 2007

Columbus grappler headed to Notre Dame
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio –The Notre Dame Wrestling program announced today the signing of a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Letter of Intent with Matthew McGovern of Westerville, Ohio.

McGovern comes to College Road as a decorated athlete from St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, from which he graduated in June.  McGovern twice placed in Ohio’s State High School Wrestling Tournament, including a third-place finish he notched in 2007.  McGovern was District Champion in 2007 and was a three-time champion at the Sectional level.

The Falcons’ incoming freshman finished his high school wrestling career with a record of 154-26.  He was the Stallions’ team captain and also played varsity soccer.

“We are pleased to sign someone with such a great background,” said Falcons’ Head Coach Frank Romano.  “I believe he’ll make an immediate impact on our team.”

Matthew is the son of Jim and Geri McGovern.

Notre Dame Falcon Wrestling got off the mats in November, 2006; the fledgling program earned a 10-6 record in their inaugural season.  Five NDC grapplers advanced to the NAIA National Tournament, with heavyweight Nick Terifaj (Fr/Strongsville, OH) earning All-American status.  The second season of Falcon Wrestling gets underway Nov. 3 when the Falcons host the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Notre Dame College is a co-educational liberal arts institution in South Euclid, Ohio. The Notre Dame Athletics Department sponsors the Falcons' participation in 17 men's and women's sports. The College is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the American Mideast Conference (AMC), which is the largest NAIA conference in the country.

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