Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/75912
WHAT IS USA WRESTLING? Body for the sport of amateur wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its represen- tative to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and to the International Wrestling Federation (FILA). USA Wrestling coordinates grassroots and USA Wrestling is the National Governing elite wrestling programs across the country and works to create interest and participa- tion in those programs. USA Wrestling's 185,000-plus member- responsible for the selection and training of teams to represent the U.S. in international competition, Championships and Olympic Games. It con- ducts national camps and clinics and provides coaches' education through numerous pro- grams. USA Wrestling boasts an active inter- national exchange program, which gives ath- letes of many age levels the opportunity to compete against foreign teams. On the developmental level, USA including the World Wrestling fosters grassroots expansion of the sport. This is facilitated by the sanctioning of age-group tournaments and the chartering of wrestling clubs. National and regional championships are held for wrestlers from nine years old to the Senior level. Leadership of USA Wrestling ship is comprised of athletes of all ages, coaches, officials, parents and fans striving together to strengthen the sport. On the elite level, USA Wrestling is USA Wrestling. He is responsible for imple- menting the policies and direction set by the Board. He is assisted by a staff of profes- sionals who work daily to guide the sport and administer its programs. USA Wrestling's national headquarters are in Colorado Springs, Colo., just a few minutes from the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Activities of USA Wrestling Rich Bender is the Executive Director of focus on providing state and local competi- tions. These groups are comprised of volun- teers, coaches, officials, athletes and parents who have an active interest in the sport. These leaders conduct Junior Olympic tour- naments, run clubs, organize trips and coach athletes in their area. USA Wrestling strives to promote the sport There are 50 state organizations which to the general public and expand interest in wrestling across the nation. USA Wrestling has almost 157,000 regis- tered athletes. It sanctions more than 1,950 events annually. It boasts more than 3,850 chartered clubs across the nation and has more than 20,000 active coaches. It also oversees the 2,400 plus officials who belong to the U.S. Wrestling Officials Association. The United States has grown to become a USA Wrestling is overseen by a Board of Directors composed of leaders who set the policies and direction for wrestling nation- wide. Jim Ravannack of Metairie, La. is the cur- leader on the World level in freestyle, Greco-Roman and women's wrestling. It also manages the other international styles recog- nized by FILA, including Grappling and Beach Wrestling. Recently, USA Wrestling has been recog- rent President of USA Wrestling. Ravannack is the USA Wrestling state chairperson in Louisiana, and previously served as First Vice-President of USA Wrestling. He was a Team Leader for the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team. He has also been selected as an Outstanding American by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, and is a leader on the international level. His officers include First Vice President Bruce Baumgartner of Edinboro, Pa., Second Vice President Greg Strobel of Bethlehem, Pa., Secretary Rance Stein of Cashion, Okla. and Treasurer Van Stokes of Clarksville, Tenn. nized as the international federation for American Folkstyle Wrestling by FILA, and is responsible for the development of this tradi- tional wrestling style on the world level. At the same time, USA Wrestling works to expand opportunities for young athletes to take part in the exciting sport of wrestling. We invite you to become a member and to support this dynamic organization. USA Wrestling offers athlete, coach, official and Wrestling Nation membership categories. USA Wrestling 6155 Lehman Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Phone: 719-598-8181 FAX: 719-598-9440 Website: www.themat.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/usawrestling 20 - 2012 USA Wrestling Media Guide