U.S. World Freestyle Team to train in Fargo, N.D. during the ASICS Junior/Cadet Nationals, July 25-3

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
05/31/2005


The 2005 U.S. World Team in freestyle wrestling will conduct its first training camp in preparation for the World Championships in Fargo, N.D., July 25-31.    These important training sessions will occur during the week of the ASICS/Vaughan Junior and Cadet National Championships, held that week at the Fargodome on the campus of North Dakota State Univ. This is annually the world's largest wrestling competition, and most prestigious youth wrestling competition in the United States.    The training camp will be conducted by USA Wrestling National Freestyle Coach Kevin Jackson of Colorado Springs, Colo., along with 2005 U.S. World Team Coaches Mike Duroe of Iowa City, Iowa and Joe Seay of Chattanooga, Tenn.    The U.S. World Freestyle Team has not yet been determined. The team will be formed with the champions from the 2004 World Team Trials in Ames, Iowa, June 18-19. By winning this event, the athletes will have determined that they are the best freestyle wrestlers in the nation.    The training camp will include all seven athletes on the U.S. World Team, as well as some alternates, who will serve as training partners.    The times and locations for the U.S. World Freestyle Team training sessions have not yet been finalized, and will be announced when available. The workouts will be open for fans to watch.    Jackson is very excited about the opportunity for the U.S. team to get important training achieved that week, as well as the promotional aspect of this unique training situation.    "Our best fans will have an opportunity to see our World Team train and prepare for the upcoming World Championships," said Jackson. "The developmental wrestlers who are competing at the ASICS Junior/Cadet Nationals will also benefit. It is good for the future of these young wrestlers to see the World Team athletes in training."    Jackson notes that fans enjoy seeing the top Olympic-caliber wrestlers in training. In past years, fans were able to watch Senior-level practices alongside the NCAA Championships, something that is no longer permitted by the NCAA.    "It is a great showcase," said Jackson of the open practices. "It is in an environment that is fun."    As the U.S. World Freestyle Team does not have a competition available during its preparation time, the team will use this training camp as an opportunity for valuable competitive matches. Jackson will have the athletes compete in public in a tournament similar to the World Championships. Top officials will conduct these matches, just like in competition. It will be a "mock-World Championships," with at least three matches for each athlete in a short period of time.    "People will be able to watch these athletes compete in these matches, along with their scheduled practices," said Jackson.     More specific details on the training camp and match competitions will be announced when they are finalized.