Maccabi USA is currently seeking applications for wrestlers who wish to represent the United States at the 17th World Maccabiah Games to be held July, 2005 in Israel.  The United States plans to send a contingent of more than 600 to the Maccabiah Games.     Wrestlers who are interested should apply online: www.maccabiusa.com. **You are strongly encouraged to apply with Maccabi USA before the tryouts, however, wrestlers will be able to register at the door.      Tryout Information    Location and Date: The Tournament will be held in Cleveland, Ohio on 23-24 October 2004 at Beachwood High School, 25100 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland, Ohio 44122. BHS is approximately 23 miles from the Cleveland Airport.      Entry:  Each individual must fill out a Maccabiah Games online application which can be found at www.maccabiusa.com.  There will also be a $30.00 event entry fee due at weigh-ins or upon the return of this application.  Checks can be made payable to Maccabi USA.    Eligibility:  All participants must be of the Jewish Faith and a member in good standing of USA Wrestling.  It is advised that you have a current USA Wrestling Card before the tournament.  If you do not have one, individual USA Wrestling and coaching cards will be available for purchase at the trials.    Rules: The rules of FILA, with current USA Wrestling modifications where applicable, will govern the event and the competition.  The tournament will be a Freestyle tournament, however, all athletes selected to compete in Israel will be required to participate in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman.    Weigh ins: Athletes must weigh in the night before the tournament on 23 October 2004 between 8:00 and 9:15 pm.  Scales will be open 1 hour prior to weigh-ins to allow wrestlers to check their weight. Special arrangements for late registration and weigh-in will be made for any athlete who is observant of Shabbat.      There will be a skin inspection during weigh ins.    If you need to register or weigh-in late, please contact tournament director Ryan Peters at 216-291-6661 or 216-374-6661.    Weight Divisions:  50kg* (110 lbs), 55kg (121 lbs), 60kg (132 lbs), 66 kg (145 lbs), 74kg (163 lbs), 84kg (185 lbs), 96kg (211 lbs), and 120kg (264 lbs).      Schedule: Saturday - October 23rd - Weigh-ins from 8:00 - 9:15 pm.  Sunday - October 24th - Wrestling begins at 9:00 am and will conclude when all matches are completed.      Awards: Medals will be given to the top three place winners in each weigh division. There will also be an award given for the most outstanding wrestler.    Age Group/Eligibility:  "OPEN" age category.  There are no age restrictions.    For further information please check the website or contact Dr. Scott Peters at 440/565-1111 or Ryan Peters at 216/291-6661    The games will feature an estimated 6,000 athletes from more than 50 countries, pre-camp cultural program and numerous members of the U.S. Team participating in a B'nai Mitzvah.     "Our formula remains consistent," says Jordan Weinstein. "Sports are the attraction. The Land of Israel is the vehicle. Jewish continuity is our primary goal. We are committed to ensuring that all members of the U.S. Team at the 17th Maccabiah come to Israel as Jewish athletes and return as athletic Jews." The Maccabiah Games bring together the best Jewish athletes from around the world to participate in sport and solidarity.     Additional information and applications are currently available online at http://www.maccabiusa.com and must be accompanied by a $40 application fee.     Maccabiah Games alumni include swimmers Mark Spitz and Lenny Krayzelburg, gymnasts Mitch Gaylord and Kerri Strug, National Basketball Association stars Ernie Grunfeld, Dolph Schayes and Danny Schayes, golfer Bruce Fleisher, tennis pros Brad Gilbert and Dick Savitt, World Cup soccer player Jeff Agoos and Olympic triathlete Joanna Zeiger.     Since 1948, Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel has sought to enrich the lives of Jews in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora through athletic, cultural and educational programs.