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Western Hall was the site for the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) West Regional, hosted by the Macomb Little Bombers Wrestling Club.
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Wrestling Returned to Western During IKWF Regional Tournament

February 28, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - More than 28 wrestling clubs from Illinois came to Western Illinois University on Sunday, Feb. 23, as Western Hall served as the site for the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) West Regional.

The tournament, hosted by the Macomb Little Bombers Wrestling Club, featured more than 300 wrestlers and 1,100 spectators and was a resounding success.

"We'd like to thank WIU for allowing us to use the University's facilities for this regional event," Bruce Eidson, representative from the Macomb Little Bombers Wrestling Club said. "To be able to host at a university only adds to the excitement of the day and the wrestlers' experience."

Eidson thanked the sponsors, surrounding community and volunteers that made the event successful.

The Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation began in 1969. IKWF is dedicated to the physical education of the youth of Illinois through instruction and participation in the sport of wrestling which improves strength, coordination and one's general physical abilities. The Macomb Little Bombers Wrestling Club originated in 1985, when Western Alum and former WIU Athletics Business Manager, Joe Protsman founded the club.

"We are very pleased that we were able to bring back wrestling and the IKWF Regional to WIU," Joe Roselieb, Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Auxiliary Services, said. "Whenever the University and community can collaborate on events like this, it's a win for all."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing