The Sacred Heart University wrestling coaching staff will embark on a 60-mile run October 22-24, 2015 from Fairfield, Conn. to Madison Square Garden in New York City. "The World's Most Famous Arena" plays host to the 2016 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship – the first time the event is being held in the Northeast.
Head Coach Andy Lausier and Assistant Coach Derek Moore are making the 60-mile, three-day journey as a fundraiser for SHU wrestling, the nation's only Division I wrestling program at a Catholic university. Supporters of the program, and the sport, are encouraged to support the duo by pledging per mile or with a general donation.
"We are undertaking this challenging endeavor to not only help SHU Wrestling, but the sport of wrestling," said Lausier. "To have one of the greatest collegiate championships right in our backyard at MSG made this the perfect opportunity for Derek and myself. We are really looking forward to this run."
The duo's run is set to mimic the three-day format of the 2016 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship. Lausier and Moore will depart from the Pitt Center on October 22, with plans of arriving in Stamford, Conn. that evening. SHU Executive Director of Athletics Bobby Valentine will host an event at his restaurant Bobby V's that evening. Day two of the run will see Lausier and Moore cross into the State of New York and finish at MSG on Saturday.
Fans can follow the #MarchToMSG via twitter and Instagram on the official accounts of SHU athletics, @SHUBigRed. In addition, fans can follow @SHUWrestling on twitter for updates.
Lausier is in his fourth season as the head coach of the Sacred Heart wrestling program. Last season, Conan Schuster placed sixth at the EIWA Championships in the 174-pound weight class to become the second wrestler in program history to finish in the top-eight at the conference meet. The Pioneers open the 2015-16 season at the Binghamton Open on November 8 and host their first dual match of the season on December 5 against Davidson at 6 p.m.
