CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Men's wrestlers of the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) embark on the Five Flags Center in Dubuque, Iowa on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 for the NCAA Division III Region VI Regional where each wrestler has an opportunity to punch their ticket to the 2026 NCAA Division III Championship. This year's regional is being hosted by Loras College.
The regional serves as the NCAA's qualifier for the national championships, with the top three wrestlers at each weight class advancing. Two-hunderd and ten qualifiers will emerge from this weekend's seven regionals to line up inside Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and will take place Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 as the American Rivers Conference proudly serves as the host.
The 19-team regional consists of Blackburn College, Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, Cornell College, University of Dubuque, Eureka College, Hungtindon College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Loras College, Luther College, Lyon College, McMurry College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, University of the Ozarks, Schreiner University, Simpson College, Wartburg College, and Westminster College.
Last year, the A-R-C hosted the Region VI Regional, formerly known as the Lower Midwest Regional, at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse where Wartburg College would caputure the program's 11th NCAA Division III Regional Championship. The Knights captured the A-R-C title for the sixth-straight season and 43rd time in program history earlier this season.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
