Liberty Nationals Organizer Bill Gossett prepares for February 26 event    The quest to be a USA Wrestling "Ultimate Dominator" heads to Kansas City, Mo., on February 26th with the 2005 version of the popular Liberty Nationals.     This event has become one of the most sought-after titles in the nation for youth wrestlers.  Under the direction of national tournament organizer Bill Gossett, the Liberty Nationals this year there will be athletes from more than 40 states, battling for outstanding awards and bragging rights.      The entry deadline for all participants is coming very soon, on Saturday, Feb. 5. Coaches and parents of prospective participants are encouraged to get in touch with Bill Gossett with questions at: bill@libertynationalswrestling.com    "Without question, Liberty Nationals is one of the most highly-regarded events in youth wrestling in the United States," said Ted Witulski, NCEP Manager. "The coaches, clubs, and kids that take on the challenge of the Liberty Nationals are serious about facing the toughest competition in America."    Gossett often emphasizes how the fun side of the competition, something he takes great pride in as an organizer.    "The kids that compete in this event have a lot of fun," said Gossett "They feel that this tournament is a big deal and so the desire to compete really comes out of them.  Even when they lose you'll see coaches hugging their kids and telling them how hard they wrestled.  It really is a great side of youth wrestling."      There is a great variety of athletes in this event, coming from all over the nation. One of the states that will be represented is Arkansas, which has not developed an active wrestling community in the past.    The Arkansas Youth Wrestling Club of Fayetteville will bring at least five young athletes to the Liberty Nationals, and could have a few more decide to compete by the deadline date. This is a first-year youth wrestling club, and coach Roger Ferguson is excited about the chance to let his young athletes test themselves on a national level.    There is an entry deadline for this event, something is not required for many local and regional competitions around the nation.    Parents and coaches should recognize the tremendous organization that goes into hosting a national tournament.  It is necessary for tournament organizers to set early entry deadlines to plan for a tournament that can run efficiently, for the benefit of everybody involved.      Events organized by Bill Gossett are recognized nationally for the high quality wrestling awards that participants receive. The Liberty Nationals trophies are statues of the ancient Greek wrestlers.    This year, the Liberty event will award trophies for the new America Crown Award.  Wrestlers that won their Dixie Nationals weight class in Georgia earlier this season, can win the America Crown Trophy, a statue of Atlas carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, by winning their Liberty weight class.      "The kids that win both Dixie and Liberty are going to come away with some very impressive hardware", said Gossett.      Wrestlers looking to earn the America Crown Award will have to face some of the nation's stiffest competition.     Looking back, the Most Valuable Wrestlers from 2004 are some of the most accomplished youth wrestlers in the nation.  The Most Valuable Wrestler awards went to:  6 and Under - Mark Hall of Michigan  8 and Under - Bryce Brill of Illinois  10 and Under - Willie Miklus of Iowa  12 and Under - Riley Ewalt of Michigan  14 and Under - Riley Adamson of New Mexico    For information, visit the web page at  http://www.libertynationalswrestling.com    The Liberty Nationals scores points as part of the 10-event Ultimate Challenge Series. Each event has established itself as a unique and important stop on the way to crowning the Ultimate Dominator. Wrestlers should take the opportunity to earn valuable Series points and experience by attending as many of these events as they can.    The next event after the Liberty Nationals is the Virginia Challenge/USAW Wrestle-FEST 2005 which will be held at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Va., March 11-13.    As in years past, the 2004-05 Ultimate Challenge Series will culminate with USA Wrestling's Folkstyle National Championships, set for the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 1-3. Champions at this event are recognized as the USA Wrestling folkstyle national champions for the year.