The fight for the Dominator belts is heating up after completion of the Liberty ASICS Nationals and the Arnold Wrestling Challenge.

The 2005-2006 Ultimate Challenge Series has seen some of the most talented wrestlers competing from around the country.  The Ultimate Challenge Series is an 11-event tournament that spans the country and culminates with the USA Wrestling ASICS Folkstyle National Championships in Iowa, Apr. 7-9.

The most recent event reported to USA Wrestling was the Arnold Wrestling Challenge held in Columbus, Ohio.

Michael Johnson, Jr. of Illinois leads Div. I (9-10 years old) with 11,200 points.  Johnson has been the champion in the Winter Classic, Dixie ASICS Nationals, 21st Annual Brute Bowl Class, U.S. Junior Open Championship, Indy Nationals, Liberty ASICS Nationals and the Arnold Wrestling Challenge.  Following Johnson Jr., is a close race between Dylan Lucas of Florida with 6,800 points and Devon MarcAurele of Connecticut with 6,000 points.

Leading Div. II (11-12 years old) is Hunter Weber of Wisconsin with 10,400 points.  Weber has placed first in the California World Challenge, 21st Annual Brute Bowl Classic, Sunkist Kids Ultimate Challenge, and the Arnold Wrestling Challenge.  Jason Luster of Georgia is in second place with 8,000 points and is followed by Glenn Climmons of Georgia with 7,300 points.

Gregory Amos of Missouri continues to hold the lead in Div. III (13-15 years old) with 10,400 points.  Alan Waters of Missouri trails closely behind with 9,600 points.  Clark Glass of Florida is currently in third place with 8,800 points.  

The Virginia Challenge/USAW Wrestle-FEST 2006 has already been completed.  Results will be posted on www.TheMat.com as soon as they are available.

The last remaining event in the series is the:
-  USA Wrestling ASICS Folkstyle National Championships at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Apr. 7-9 

The ASICS Folkstyle National Championships is worth double the points of the previous meets for the top eight award winners.  After the event, nine Dominator belts will be awarded to the top three athletes in three different age divisions.  In addition, the top point scorer in the entire series will be named the Ultimate Dominator.  

Those who attend the ASICS Folkstyle Nationals will have the opportunity to meet wrestling legend Cael Sanderson, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist and the only wrestler to ever win four NCAA Div. I titles and finish his career undefeated.  Sanderson will meet fans and participants, sign autographs and hand out awards.

The deadline for online signups for the ASICS Kids/Cadet Folkstyle National Championships is April 1.  Register today for the most important even in Kids folkstyle wrestling. 

2005-06 ULTIMATE CHALLENGE SERIES LEADERS
(after nine of the 11 events)

Division I (9 & 10 year olds)
1. Michael Johnson, Jr. (IL), 11,200 pts.
2. Dylan Lucas (FL), 6,800 pts.
3. Devon MarcAurele (CT), 6,000 pts.
4. Paul Thomas (IN), 5,500 pts.
5. Brandon James (IN), 5,400 pts.
6. Dayton Racer (MO), 5,000 pts.
7. Cullen Hood (KS), 4,800 pts.
8. Travis Hasselbeck (LA), 4,700 pts.
9. Devin Weber (WI), 4,000 pts.
10. (tie) Michael Hamilton (OK), 3,800 pts.
10. (tie) Gary Harding (OK), 3,800 pts.
10. (tie) Derek White (OK), 3,800 pts.

Division II (11 & 12 year olds)
1. Hunter Weber (WI), 10,700 pts.
2. Jason Luster (GA), 8,000 pts.
3. Glenn Climmons (GA), 7,300 pts.
4. Kevin Norstrem (FL), 6,500 pts.
5. Andrew Schulte (CA), 6,400 pts.
6. G.W. Woods II (VA), 5,800 pts.
7. (tie) Rossi Bruno (FL), 5,200 pts.
7. (tie) Justin Mudlaff (WI), 5,200 pts.
9. Oliver Pierce (TX), 4,800 pts.
10. Mike Ettore (FL), 4,500 pts.

Division III (13-15 year olds)
1. Gregory Amos (MO), 10,400 pts.
2. Alan Waters (KS), 9,600 pts.
3. Clark Glass (FL), 8,800 pts.
4. Jesse Thielke (WI), 8,000 pts.
5. Brett Jaeckel (TN), 7,600 pts.
6. Eli Ashby (SC), 7,500 pts.
7. Ryne Cokeley (KS), 6,400 pts.
8. T.J. Mitchell (GA), 5,700 pts.
9. Keith Surber (IL), 5,200 pts.
10. (tie) Seth Collier (IN), 4,400
10. (tie) Colbey Skaggs (MO), 4,400 pts.