Springfield, OH -- The 2023 Great Lakes Invitational will head to Springfield, OH to take place at the home of the NCAA Division III's winningest men's basketball program. Wittenberg University will serve as the event host site when the tournament takes place November 17-18, 2023.
The Invitational is the creation of Ryan Whitnable, host of the This Week in Great Lakes Basketball Podcast. The two-day event features eight nationally-prominent programs from the Great Lakes region as well as Division III teams from around the country. Calvin University, Illinois Wesleyan University, LaRoche University, Marietta College, Middlebury College, University of the Redlands, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Wittenberg University are scheduled to compete at the 2023 Invitational.
"The 6th Great Lakes Invitational features possibly the best field yet as the list of participants reads off like a "Who's Who" of elite Division III programs," said Whitnable. "Hosting this event at the home of the all-time wins leader and 2-time national champions only adds to mystique of this crown jewel event of the Division III basketball calendar."
The games will take place in legendary Pam Evans Smith Arena. Wittenberg's home arena for Tiger men's and women's basketball and men's and women's volleyball. With a capacity for over 3,000 spectators. Pam Evans Smith Arena has witnessed countless North Coast Athletic Conference Championships secured on the hardwood in both basketball and volleyball.
"Our program at Wittenberg is excited to be part of the GLI again and are thrilled to host for the first time," Wittenberg head basketball coach Matt Croci said. "I believe it's one of the top events in the country, showcasing elite programs and players. We're fortunate and excited to showcase our facilities and campus community to the visiting schools."
The first four games are scheduled to take place on Friday, November 17 with four games set for Saturday, November 18. A complete schedule along with ticket and broadcast information will be released at a later date.
What participating coaches say about the Great Lakes Invitational:
Bill Sall, head coach
"Calvin is extremely excited for the opportunity to participate in the GLI next season. This is truly one of the most prestigious events in D3 and we are thrilled to be participating. Calvin basketball has some amazing memories of HWA; a final four in 1990 and winning the National Championship in 1992. Looking forward to being involved in this amazing event!"
Ron Rose, head coach
"The Great Lakes Invitational has a terrific reputation as one of the premier D3 tournaments in the country. We are honored to be included and look forward to both some great competition and experience."
Hermie Carmichael, head coach
"This two day event gets better and better every year. Laroche feels extremely blessed to be able to compete in this event with the high level of competition. Top notch arenas, coaches and players all in one facility for this event each year. Thanks so much for having the RedHawks be a part of the GLI in 2023."
Jon Vanderwal, head coach
"We are excited to once again participate in the Great Lakes Invitational. It has become one of the premier small college basketball tournaments in the country. As the inaugural host and a program who helped get this event started, we take great pride in participating whenever possible. The 2023 event will once again include 8 great programs with elite level coaches and we are honored to be included."
Jeff Brown, head coach
Middlebury College is thrilled to be a part of the Great Lakes Invitational next season. Year after year the Invitational attracts top notch programs from around the country and we look forward to being a part of the field in 2023.
Eric Bridgeland, head coach
"The GL Invitational is one of the most prestigious national D3 events. We are humbled and excited to be a part of it."
Matt Lewis, head coach
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
"Our program is very excited to participate in the Great Lakes Invitational. It has proven to be one of the most competitive regular season events in all of DIII men's basketball. We are thankful for the invite and looking forward to the competition!"