Women’s Future Champion Freestyle Camp set for Colorado Springs, Colo., June 25-July 1

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Josi Carlson (USA Wrestling)
03/29/2005


With its inaugural appearance in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and an ever-increasing number of competitors, women's freestyle wrestling is a sport on the rise.    Women of all ages who are interested in the skills and techniques it takes to excel in freestyle are invited to spend a week learning from some of the best the sport has to offer.    The Women's Future Champion Freestyle Camp will be held June 25-July 1 at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, Colo.    Featured coaches at the camp will include:    - Terry Steiner - U.S. Women's National Team coach  - Katie Downing - 2004 National champion   - Tina George - two-time World silver medalist, 2003 Pan American Games champion  - Tela O'Donnell - 2004 Olympian, 2004 World Cup silver medalist  - Kristie Marano - two-time World Champion, seven-time World medalist  - Sally Roberts - 2003 World Bronze medalist, 2003 World Cup champion    Coaches will be covering basic positioning, techniques and mat wrestling. The camp's focus will be on technique, with very little live wrestling.     "The point of the camp is going to be very technical," Downing said. "It's good for girls who want to get into freestyle. Anyone who wants to wrestle past high school will have to learn freestyle."    Various evening sessions covering topics such as weight lifting, diet and sports psychology will also be provided.    The women who are U.S. Olympic Training Center (USOTC) resident athletes will be staying in the dorm with campers, giving them an opportunity to ask any questions they have for some of the world's most accomplished athletes.     "There will be a number of top athletes, offering a great opportunity to tap into their vast knowledge," Steiner said.    Campers will not only learn from the elite-level coaches, but can spend time with other female wrestlers.    "It will include girls from all over the nation," Downing said. "Maybe some girls are the only wrestlers from their home town and this camp will give them an opportunity to come together with other wrestlers and share their experiences."    The resident athletes will also be holding their practices during the camp so campers will be able to see their training.    "Any time you can expose yourself to top-level athletes in your sport it is very beneficial," Steiner said. "It's an opportunity that girls aspiring to be on top should take advantage of."    Wrestlers will receive a $25 discount if they send in their registration by May 1. Contact Katie Downing at (719) 659-9668 with questions.    Camp Flier