September 13 was a landmark day in Marquette, Michigan.    No, Tom Izzo and Steve Mariucci didn't visit their old stomping grounds at Northern Michigan University. Instead, 13 women's wrestlers stepped on mats to workout for the first time as members of the U.S. Olympic Education Center (USOEC) program.    Before September 13, the USOEC had offered men's and women's programs in boxing, speedskating and weightlifting. Greco-Roman wrestling is also offered, but wrestling was the only sport where there was no specific women's program.    Now there is. Most of the women who entered this inaugural year of this program have been involved with a college wrestling program before: Amy Borgnini (MacMurray College), Donnell Bradley (Missouri Valley College), Sharon Jacobson (Minnesota-Morris), Ku'u'ini Johnson (Lassen College), Mary Kelly (MacMurray College and Neosho), Linse Meadows (Neosho), Elena Mena (Neosho), Randi Miller (MacMurray College and Neosho), Debbi Sakai (Missouri Valley College) and Liz Short (Minnesota-Morris).    The other women, Danyelle Hedin, Teri Lopez and Brandy Rosenbrock, also have extensive wrestling backgrounds.    Two of those women, Kelly and Rosenbrock, have been members of the U.S. National Team and are currently ranked No. 4 at their weight classes on the Senior level. Sakai placed second at the U.S. Nationals in 2004 and is ranked No. 2 at 112.25 lbs. Miller is currently ranked No. 7 at her weight class.    Meadows, Mena and Bradley have also placed at the U.S. Nationals in the past.    This will make for a solid and experienced first-year roster for USOEC Women's Wrestling Resident Coach Shannyn Gillespie.    "The women have adapted and adjusted to the climate and atmosphere very well. We have athletes from Texas, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and California. Most of the women, with the exception of two, had previous experience with college life and athletics. So, the transition was a formality. Many of the women have said this is the best training environment they have ever been in because they are the focus... they are the reason the coach is there," Gillespie said.    Upon their arrivals, the women's wrestling team also held a question and answer session with the student body of NMU's Spaulding Hall. It is events like this, according to Gillespie, that will help the women gain more acceptance throughout the university and the USOEC program.    "The other programs welcomed our women's wrestling program with open arms and we are thankful. This is the second year a new program has been added. Last year, a women's and men's resident weightlifting program was added. The USOEC and NMU staff also happily welcomed the women's wrestling program and have provided a very supportive environment."    As student-athletes, the women will undergo vigorous training and study schedules. The university has strict policies on eligibility standards for the athletes in the USOEC program.    The women work out twice a day, except for Thursday (one workout) and Sunday (no workout). All women are taking at least 12 credit hours.    However, any struggles can be taken care of through Tony Tellefson, the team's academic advisor.    "Both the USOEC and NMU provide ample academic services for all to succeed. Both groups also prepare our students with seminars and workshops with issues that deal with time management, tutoring, and scheduling classes," Gillespie said.    Gillespie plans to take the women to numerous competitions throughout the year. Those competitions include the Sunkist Kids International Open, New York Athletic Club Christmas International, Dave Schultz Memorial International, University Nationals, FILA Junior Nationals and Senior Nationals.    It is at these times that the academic services offered by the USOEC and Northern Michigan will be most needed.    However, it is also critical for the women to receive as much competition as possible this year, as FILA, the international governing body for the sport of amateur wrestling, has adopted drastic rule changes that will be effective immediately.    "The basics of wrestling, regardless of style, are always a sound way to begin any program.  The rules change appears to indicate wrestling on the feet will be more important. Thus, our focus will begin with the seven basic skills with some other additions to make our women technically sound on their feet. Additionally, our women will be prepared for par terre wrestling... this is where the average can become champions," Gillespie stated.    For more information on the USOEC, visit usoec.nmu.edu. For more information specifically on the women's wrestling program, visit www.nmu.edu/www-sam/usoec/www/wwrestling/ or contact Gillespie at (906) 227-2888.    2004 USOEC Women's Freestyle Wrestling Roster  Weight - Name (Hometown)  48 kg/105.5 lbs. - Mary Kelly (Mahomet, Ill.)  48 kg/105.5 lbs. - Liz Short (Lombard, Ill.)  51 kg/112.25 lbs. - Debbi Sakai (Miliani, Hawaii)  51 kg/112.25 lbs. or 55 kg/121 lbs. - Amy Borgnini (Terre Haute, Ind.)  55 kg/121 lbs. - Danyelle Hedin (Honolulu, Hawaii)  55 kg/121 lbs. - Sharon Jacobson (El Cajon, Calif.)  59 kg/130 lbs. - Brandy Rosenbrock (Harrison, Mich.)  59 kg/130 lbs. - Linse Meadows (Katy, Texas)  63 kg/138.75 lbs. - Ku'u'ini Johnson (Honolulu, Hawaii)  63 kg/138.75 lbs. - Teri Lopez (Katy, Texas)  67 kg/147.5 lbs. or 72 kg/158.5 lbs. - Randi Miller (Arlington, Texas)  72 kg/158.5 lbs. - Elena Mena (St. Paul, Minn.)  72 kg/158.5 lbs. - Donnell Bradley (Aiea, Hawaii)