From March 20-22, three of Shenandoah University’s sport management students attended the NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling National Championships held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Brian Wigley, Ed.D., chair of the Division of Sport Management & Esports, accompanied them on the experiential learning trip. Students Cody Carbaugh ’25, Tyler Garr ’26 and Sam Tighe ’28 volunteered at the championship by helping fans enter the arena safely, directing them to their seats, and answering questions about the event’s timeline. Given that President Trump attended the event, they also worked directly with the Secret Service on event security. After the championship ended, they broke down equipment at Lincoln Financial Field, which was used as a secondary NCAA Fan Experience location. Carbaugh, reflecting on the opportunity, said, “It was one of the best sporting experiences we’ve had the privilege of being a part of.”
Dr. Wigley was equally excited that his students got to work hands-on at a high-level sporting event. “We are thrilled that our students took the initiative to work the NCAA Wrestling Championships. These kinds of activities not only provide valuable experiences for our students, but also make our graduates more competitive in the marketplace.”
Gary Baker, co-chair of the local organizing committee for the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, was also impressed by Carbaugh, Garr and Tighe’s work. “Shenandoah’s students were great to work with and were willing to step in and help on any task,” he said.
This trip was one in a series of collaborations between the School of Business and the NCAA. Previously, Shenandoah University students worked with the NCAA Division III Field Hockey National Championships, and in April they traveled to the Final Four in San Antonio.
– Written by Natalie Gales ’25
