Wingate, N.C.----As the first-ever university to host The MET-Rx World’s Strongest Man competition, Wingate University will be in the national and international spotlight later this year when the premier event in strength athletics takes place on the University campus in September. The 2011 World’s Strongest Man competition will be televised domestically on ESPN as a six-hour program in December and internationally on ESPN2 in 2012.

“We are very excited millions of people around the world will see what Wingate University has to offer, including our beautiful campus,” Wingate University president Dr. Jerry E. McGee says. “As the third-ranking NCAA Division II Academic All-America® producing school this millennium, we pride ourselves on our strong educational and athletic programs. I know our 600 student-athletes and others will enjoy seeing this exciting competition between 32 champion athletes first-hand.”

“Having the competition on campus will enrich the educational experience for students interested in our sport sciences and communication programs,” Dr. McGee says. “It is a prime example of how Wingate University gives students the tools and support they need to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life.”

McGee adds that Wingate students will not only be able to participate as spectators, but also will be able to meet the athletes and see up close how an internationally televised sports competition is produced.

Many of the events will be held on the Wingate campus, located 30 miles east of Charlotte on U.S. Highway 74 in the town of Wingate. The University is working with the N.C. Department of Tourism to determine the on-campus sites. Other locations around the state are still being added.

The public will be invited to the events. A full schedule of events, times and locations is listed below. Contestants will be housed in the Monroe area.

THE MET-RX WORLD STRONGEST MAN

Now in its 34th year, the series is owned and produced by IMG Media, the production and distribution arm of IMG (the global sports, entertainment and media corporation). Wingate University was selected for the event through arrangements secured by PSE-3 in Raleigh, N.C., a communications, marketing and sales firm serving the sports and entertainment industries. For more information, visit the Wingate University web site at www.wingate.edu.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a comprehensive university with more than 2,300 students on three campuses in Wingate, Matthews and Hendersonville, N.C. The university offers 32 undergraduate majors, 36 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, physician assistant studies and sports administration and doctorates in pharmacy and education.

Wingate students gain the tools and support they need to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. The campus community offers in-class learning, out-of-class experiences, strong mentors, a competitive yet caring environment and rewarding community service opportunities for a complete educational experience.

Bulldog student-athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports. Wingate University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past five years.

Wingate University is ranked number three among NCAA Division II Academic All-America® producing schools in the 2000’s with 39 honorees during this millennium. Only Pittsburg State (Kan.) University and Truman State (Mo.) University have produced more Academic All-America® honorees during this time period. Wingate’s 48 Academic All-America® honorees (lifetime) is tops among all SAC schools.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 15, 2011 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. QUALIFIERS
Events: Loading Race; Keg Toss,
Location: Sand volleyball court
Free public parking: Grass lot next to LaVerne Banquet Hall (no overnight parking)

Sept. 18, 2011 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. QUALIFIERS
Events: Dumbell Press; Metal Block Press; Atlas Stones
Location: Stegall Building front lawn
Free public parking: Grass lot next to LaVerne Banquet Hall (no overnight parking)

Sept. 21, 2011 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. FINALS
Events: Steel Frame Carry, Tyre Pull, Truck Pull
Location: Levine College of Health Sciences
Free public parking: George A. Batte, Jr. Fine Arts Center (no overnight parking)

Sept. 22, 2011 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. FINALS
Events: Deadlift for Max, Overhead Lift for Max, Atlas Stones
Location: Amphitheatre
Free public parking: George A. Batte, Jr. Fine Arts Center (no overnight parking)

All events are open to the public. No tickets are required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dane Jordan
Minister to Students and Assistant Dean for Student Development
Wingate University
704-233-8026 (office phone)
djordan@wingate.edu