WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty University and the WLU Foundation have announced plans to honor international wrestling icon and Ohio Valley native Bobby Douglas with the addition of the Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex to the Hilltopper campus.

The fundraising campaign officially gets under way on Jan. 19 with the Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex Kickoff Event at the R. Emmett Boyle Conference Center inside the ASRC. Several guest speakers will be on hand along with many of West Liberty's former wrestling All-Americans and national champions. Artists' renderings and graphics will be on display, providing visual images of the finished project.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with light refreshments and photo sessions before the program starts at 6:15. There is no admission charge and the event is open to all alumni and friends of the university but reservations are required. Those planning to attend must RSVP to athletic secretary Robin Brunner at (304) 336-8046 no later than January 16.

"West Liberty University is proud to honor Bobby Douglas with the announcement of the Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex, a facility that will enhance the student-athlete experience for our men's wrestling program and our newly-announced women's wrestling program for decades to come," West Liberty interim athletic director Brad Forshey said.

"In the 60-plus years since Bobby Douglas became West Liberty's first national champion, his impact on the sport of wrestling as a trailblazing athlete, coach and mentor – nationally and internationally – has been staggering. Coach Douglas has directly touched thousands of lives and inspired millions more as a highly-respected leader and role model on and off the mat. We are incredibly excited to embark on this journey!"