The semi-annual meeting of the USA Wrestling Board of Directors was held at the Wyndham Hotel in St. Louis, Mo. on Sunday, March 20. The meeting was chaired by USA Wrestling President Stan Dziedzic.    Dziedzic welcomed the Board members, and introduced the new members of the Board who began their service at this meeting: Tom Bold, Tim Yount, Lee Roy Smith, Ed Gould, Patricia Miranda and Katie Downing.    In his address to the Board, Dziedzic explained an intiative where leaders in the private sector are working together to provide financial rewards and career mentoring to U.S. wrestlers who win multiple World-level medals for the United States. He noted that many athletes from other nations, such as Russia, receive large financial rewards when winning medals for their nation. This new program is designed to "close the gap," according to Dziedzic.    USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender presented the Board with an 80-page document entitled "USA Wrestling Strategic Performance Plan 2005-2008." This four-year planning document was originally prepared by the USA Wrestling staff for the U.S. Olympic Committee to address competitive performance preparation, and was expanded to cover all aspects of USA Wrestling's programs and activities.     In his address to the Board, Bender explained how the U.S. Olympic Committee has changed its philosophy on providing funds for individual Olympic sports. He noted that each sport would be evaluated based upon performance, potential and effective planning.    "The day of entitlement is over," said Bender. "There are no more guarantees. We feel very confident that USA Wrestling will perform well under the new system."    Bender thanked his staff members and the Board members for their service and leadership to the sport.    "I am humbled to serve an organization and sport with such great athletes and volunteers," Bender said.    Treasurer Van Stokes presented the finance report for the organization. He noted a number of recommendations that had been suggested during USA Wrestling's annual audit which were being implemented this year.    "I have never known a time for this organization where it has been better managed than it is today," said Stokes.    Lee Roy Smith, the new Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, discussed some new initiatives where USA Wrestling and the Hall of Fame will cooperate on fundraising programs.    "Credibility is everything for the Hall of Fame," said Smith. "We will be as inclusive as possible. This is your Hall of Fame. We are trying to make it a landmark among sports Halls of Fame."    FILA Bureau member Larry Sciacchetano presented his FILA report to the Board, and discussed the changes in the rules of international wrestling which were implemented at the conclusion of the 2004 Olympic Games. Many members of the Board discussed how the rule changes have affected the sport, as well as the organization.    The Board approved the creation of an ad-hoc committee to address USA Wrestling's strategy concerning the new rules of wrestling. Dan Gable was named as the chairperson, and assigned to the committee were USA Wrestling's National Coaches, the chairpersons of each Sports Committee and the chairperson of the Athlete's Advisory Committee.    The Metropolitan Wrestling Association (MWA), an allied member of USA Wrestling, made a presentation to the Board explaining its "Beat the Streets" program for youth and providing suggestions on expanding inner-city wrestling initiatives in the future. Representing the MWA during the presentation were Set Agonian, Al Bevilacqua, Bill Crum and Sonny Greenhalgh.    Each of USA Wrestling's standing committees and constituent organizations made a report to the Board concerning their activities and issues since the last Board meeting.     Dziedzic announced that the next Board of Directors meeting for USA Wrestling would be held July 31 in Fargo, N.D.