COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), in coordination with Elite Level Sport Marketing (ELSM), named Maryland one of 12 finalists for the 2015-16 Best of Brand Gold Standard Award.

Each year, the Gold Standard Award is given to the program that best exhibits excellence through social media and marketing.  According to the NWCA, all 12 of these schools have shown innovation and creativity in their ability to promote themselves and help grow the sport of wrestling as a whole.  Their content as well as their fan engagement has allowed these programs to stand out from the rest of the field.

In addition to Maryland, Rutgers University, Johnson & Wales University, University of Missouri, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, Purdue University, South Dakota State University, University of North Carolina, and West Virginia University were named finalists.

"The programs in this category represent the best of the best in social media marketing in college wrestling," said ELSM CEO Coyte Cooper. "They are so proactive with their approach and have done some unique things to grow our sport this year."

The Best of Brand Awards program is an initiative designed to honor wrestling programs for their investment in marketing.  By honoring college programs, the awards are designed to grow the sport at all levels.

Click here for more information on the NWCA Best of Brand Award.

-Terps-