Van Dusen to Strengthen Women’s Wrestling as Intercollegiate’s First Female Coach

Body Bar Inc. and Niemand-Sponsored Olympian to Coach at Menlo College

BOULDER, Colo. – May 6, 2010 - Arno Niemand, longtime proponent of women’s wresting and former owner of Body Bar Inc., said today that on April 19th Menlo College in Atherton CA announced that world champion and Olympic wrestler Marcie Van Dusen has been named head coach of its women’s wrestling team, replacing retiring head coach and wrestling legend Lee Allen. Ms. Van Dusen is only the second head coach in program history, and Menlo’s is the first intercollegiate wrestling program to hire a female head coach. Mr. Niemand has sponsored Ms. Van Dusen since the final preparations began for the Beijing Olympics in early 2008, and will continue his sponsorship thorough 2010.

A 2008 Olympian, Ms. Van Dusen will continue to lead the U.S. Women’s Wrestling Technique Tour, sponsored by Mr. Niemand. Niemand’s former company, Body Bar Inc. will support this sponsorship by providing Body Bar products throughout the year.

Van Dusen was one of only four women to represent the USA in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Now the former World Champion and Olympic wrestler has begun a coaching career.

“It has always been my dream to be the head coach of a women’s wrestling program,” said Van Dusen. “I am thankful to the Menlo College administration for allowing me this opportunity. I am completely dedicated to this program’s success, and I will put everything I have into the program to make sure it flourishes.”

“I have a wonderful support system, I could not be more thankful to Mr. Niemand of Body Bar Inc.,” added Van Dusen. “He has taken time to share his knowledge and experience with me over the past few years, and that is truly priceless.”

“I have great admiration for Lee Allen and all he has done for women’s wrestling,” commented Arno Niemand, strong supporter of women’s wresting and previous owner and chairman of Body Bar Inc. “Menlo College has certainly made the right choice by succeeding Lee with Marcie, who will surely bring her individual style and strength to their fine program.”

Mr. Niemand, a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, recently stepped down from his position with Body Bar Inc. but has continued his support of USA Wrestling.

Women’s Wrestling Technique Tour
Following is the remaining schedule for Ms. Van Dusen’s clinics. Additional dates are expected to be added once confirmed.
May 15 Kissimmee, FL
May 23 Arlington, TX
July 19 Fargo, ND

About Arno Niemand
Mr. Niemand is a 1956 graduate of Cornell, where he was on the wrestling team. He was later inducted into the Cornell Hall of Distinguished Wrestling Alumni. He went on to earn his MBA in 1958 from the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia. Throughout his life, Mr. Niemand has continued to support the sport of wrestling, and in 2008 received the FILA Gold Star, which is the highest award given to an individual by the world governing body of wrestling. In 2009, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, earning the Order of Merit.

As previous owner and chairman of Body Bar Inc., Niemand has sponsored the USA Wrestling Women’s National Team since 2003.
###

Follow women’s wrestling activities on www.usawrestlingnation.com and www.themat.com.

Body Bar products can be purchased online through www.bodybar.com 1-800-500-2030. Join Body Bar Inc. on Facebook and Twitter. Body Bar is a registered trademark of Body Bar Inc.

Contact Information

Marilyn R. Kroner

Principal

Kroner Communications

Contact via E-mail