Nearly 200 people attended the 4th Annual Excel Tribute dinner, held at the Denver Athletic Club on December 19. This popular wrestling event was a night to remember, as two former Team Excel wrestlers had the opportunity to address the audience.     USA Wrestling National  Coaches Kevin Jackson and Terry Steiner, who both at the close of their careers competed for Team Excel, told of their appreciation to the Excel organization. They thanked Coaches Steve Knight and Mike McArthur for all the memories.     Jackson and Steiner spoke to some 50+ wrestlers who were also in the audience, sharing with them a perspective on the sport that only a seasoned vetera champion would know.     National Greco-Roman Coach Steve Fraser was also honored, but unable to attend the ceremony.     "It was really inspiring to hear them talk about their careers," said  Greeley Central High School state Champion and Excel wrestler Tony Mustari. "They've been through what I hope to experience someday."     Opening the evening was long-time Excel board member Arno Niemand of Bodybar Systems. Mr. Niemand, who sponsors Cornell University and USA Wrestling, talked of the longevity of the Excel Program. He praised the program's stability and influence, on and off the mat, that young wrestlers have received through the Excel Year Round Training Program and summer camps. He was especially proud of the number of wrestlers from the program who received assistance from Excel Wrestling to take their career on to the next level, competing in college. He also praised the 100+ wrestlers over the past nine seasons who received scholarship assistance to be part of the Excel Program.     Also recognized were the 28 college wrestlers who came through the Excel program in high school and are now competing while pursuing their college degree. These wrestlers have graduated from or are currently attending outstanding universities such as the Univ. of Oklahoma, Univ. of Nebraska, the Air Force Academy, Lehigh Univ., Cornell Univ., Univ. of Wyoming, Cal State Bakersfield, Univ. of Northern Colorado, Adams State College, Western State College, Cornell College and the Colorado School of Mines, among others.    Another highlight of the evening was the Denver Athletic Club's "Rocky Mountain Top 24" high school wrestlers list sponsored by Coloradowrestling.com. From the state of Wyoming, the coaches selection committee chose the top 12 high school wrestlers currently competing in Wyoming. In Colorado, the same took place recognizing the top 12 high school wrestlers in Colorado. These 24 outstanding wrestlers were presented with a plaque from John Olivas of Coloradowrestling.com.     Special thanks was given to many high school coaches in both states for their attendance at the dinner as well as support of the Excel Wrestling programs in both Wyoming and Colorado. To see the complete list of the Denver Athletic Club "Rocky Mountain Top 24", please go to to the home page of this webiste.    The Excel Tribute Dinner has been established annually to specifically raise funds for the Lyn Crumley Need-based Scholarship Foundation. This past year's scholarship fund allowed 27 wrestlers to participate in the 2004 Team Excel Year Round Training Program at one of the five locations in the Rocky Mountain region. Excel hopes to be able to provide the same support for next year's program.    The 11th Annual Excel Winter Break Camp was also a big success with wrestlers from more than 35 high school programs and 14 youth programs throughout the Rocky Mountain region participating.    Currently, among four Team Excel locations in Colorado, there are 20 high school wrestlers in the Excel Year Round Training Program sites in Colorado who are ranked in the top four in their respective weight classes by On The Mat Rankings, which are the Colorado High School state rankings. From the Wyoming Excel Junior Olympic Program, eight high school wrestlers are ranked in the top four in their respective weight classes.     Congratulations to these wrestlers for their dedication to the sport . Hosts gave a special thank you to Coach Steve Knight and Excel Wrestling for their time and relentless effort in the Rocky Mountain region over the past 10 years.