USA Wrestling's 2004-05 Ultimate Challenge Series of folkstyle wrestling kicks off with the Winter Classic in the tough wrestling state of Illinois, November 26-28, 2004.      The Series has expanded from seven to 10 National-caliber events to offer more youth wrestlers a chance to compete in the popular series. This year, the Series has expanded to include the Las Vegas Nationals - Youth, the Dixie Nationals and the Sunkist Kids Ultimate Challenge. Each event promises to offer competitors and fans alike a unique wrestling experience.    The Winter Classic returns to the David Palmer Arena, an outstanding wrestling venue with over 12,000 square feet of mats and seating for 3,000 fans. Now in its third year, the tournament expects to draw over 600 talented young wrestlers. In addition to earning valuable Series points, wrestlers will be competing for custom trophies awarded to every tournament champion. Finalists will be announced and showcased using a spotlight show and Outstanding Wrestler awards will be given out in each age division.    Already a tourist favorite, Las Vegas, Nev. will get a little more attractive to wrestling fans in early December. USA Wrestling is excited to add The Las Vegas Nationals - Youth to its outstanding slate of Ultimate Challenge Series events. The event, to be held at the Cashman Convention Center, December 11-12, 2004, will offer families an excellent wrestling experience in one of America's most popular vacation cities.    Due to the time of year, flights and lodging are relatively inexpensive. In addition, Tournament Director Ed Gutierrez has negotiated discounted family show tickets to enhance the event experience for participants and families. A USA Wrestling National Team member will be at the Las Vegas Nationals - Youth to sign autographs and talk with wrestling fans.    The Series moves back to the Midwest for the 2nd Annual Brock Lesnar Gopher Kids Classic in Rochester, Minnesota, December 19, 2004. Tournament directors expect nearly 500 wrestlers from across the country to compete for the unique championship trophies. Additionally, the finals will be showcased with a lightshow that is sure to get the crowd fired up.     Participants and fans can expect an appearance by former NCAA Champion and WWE superstar Brock Lesnar. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Gopher Wrestling Academy and helps to financially support the continued training efforts of future World and Olympic Champions. In addition to Lesnar, World Silver Medalist Brandon Eggum and former NCAA Champions Jared Lawrence, Damion Hahn and Luke Becker will also be in attendance.    The Series shifts to the warmer climate of the Southeast for the first-ever Dixie Nationals. The event, to be held in Duluth, Ga., December 20, 2004, is expected to draw up to 1,000 wrestlers from over 30 states.    "We expect the Dixie Nationals to be an outstanding event and possibly the best first-year national tournament in the history of kids' folkstyle wrestling," said Event Director Bill Gossett. "We are extremely excited to host this great event."    In what has become a signature of Gossett's first-rate events, the Dixie Nationals will acknowledge its champions with impressive awards.  As is the case with Gossett's other Ultimate Challenge Series event, the Liberty Nationals, champions and outstanding wrestlers of the Dixie Nationals will be awarded with a unique statue of the legendary Dan Gable rather than a traditional trophy. Wrestlers who win both the Dixie Nationals and the Liberty Nationals will be awarded the American Crown Award, a custom-made statue of the Greek God Atlas.    Shortly after the Christmas holiday, an expected 900+ wrestlers will make the voyage to the Lone Star state for the 20th Annual Cotton Bowl Classic. The "Biggest Tournament in Texas" will be held at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, December 28-29, 2004. Participants will meet three wrestling legends at the event as 2000 Olympic Champion Brandon Slay, 1996 Olympic Champion Kendall Cross and 1988 Olympic Champion Kenny Monday will all attend the Cotton Bowl Classic. As well as medals, tournament champions will receive custom made "2004 Brute Bowl Classic Champion" gear and Outstanding Wrestlers in each age division will be recognized and awarded tournament statues. As the saying goes, "Everything's bigger in Texas."    For the first event of the New Year, the Ultimate Challenge Series moves to the great wrestling state of Oklahoma for the U.S. Junior Open Championships. The event, slated for Oklahoma City, January 7-8, 2005, is expected to draw nearly 1,500 participants.  Finalists will be announced and showcased in a Parade of Champions before the final bouts.  In its 29th year, the Junior Open Champion-ship will stay with tradition in awarding its champions special U.S. Junior Open Championship rings. Gold Outstanding Wrestler rings will be awarded in each age division as well.    The Ultimate Challenge Series moves back West for the first ever Sunkist Kids Ultimate Challenge - Youth Folkstyle, January 15-16, 2005. The Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club is excited to be hosting its first Ultimate Challenge Series event, after running the prestigious Sunkist Kids/ASU International Open for the past 20 years. The event will take place in Wells Fargo Arena on the campus of Arizona State University.      The event will include a few extras that promise to make this a truly unique and exceptional event. Tournament champion awards will include a southwest flavor that will certainly be different from all other kids' events.  Participants will be treated to a free clinic by six-time World Champion and two-time Olympic Champion Sergei Beloglazov immediately following weigh-ins the night before competition. Finally, the Kids event will be followed by a dual meet featuring national powerhouse Arizona State and Cal-State Fullerton.    Complete details on the remaining Ultimate Challenge Series events will be provided in a future article here on TheMat.com. Visit TheMat.com regularly for frequent updates on the Ultimate Challenge Series.    The Ultimate Challenge Series continues to get bigger and better every year. Each event has established itself as a unique and important stop on the way to crowning the Ultimate Dominator. Don't miss the opportunity to earn valuable Series points and experience each of these excellent wrestling events. The quest for "The Belt" starts in Danville.