EAST STROUDSBURG – The East Stroudsburg University men's and women's wrestling program announced on Thursday that the Warriors have entered a partnership with Spartan Combat.

"I am excited and proud to be the first NCAA Division II university to partner with Spartan Combat," said ESU Director of Athletics Dr. Allen Snook of the unique agreement. "The company and owners bring a level of commitment to the sport of wrestling that truly reflects their passion for students' success on and off the mat. To have an opportunity to be associated with this group is a great benefit to our athletic department, team and university."

The partnership will feature ESU Spartan Combat apparel, high-quality wrestling shoes, along with other unique opportunities. The Warriors will have opportunities to collaborate with Spartan Combat Athletes, which includes four-time NCAA Champion and four-time World Wrestling Champion Kyle Dake.

"I am very excited for our East Stroudsburg University Warrior Wrestling Nation to partner with Spartan Combat," said ESU men's and women's wrestling head coach Anibal Nieves. "Spartan Combat has high-quality gear and the best wrestling shoes in the business. I always say to be the best you have to train with the best!"

The Spartan portfolio of brands include Tough Mudder®, Spartan Trail™, DEKAFIT™, and La Ruta®, as Spartan Combat has quickly established a footprint in wrestling by developing facilities, events, apparel, nutritional products and digital content for the sport's communities.

"We are extremely excited about our newly formed relationship with East Stroudsburg University," said Spartan Combat President, Nick Garone. "We look forward to a long-standing partnership with the University and athletic department. Moving forward we will do our very best to provide outstanding service and quality to uphold the strong tradition that ESU has established".

ESU men's and women's wrestling opens the season inside Koehler Fieldhouse on Wed., Nov. 1 against Elmira.