COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Wrestling has named Anthony Flatt of Lawrenceville, Ga. as the February Volunteer of the Month.  Flatt is being recognized for his tireless efforts on behalf of wrestling in the state of Georgia.

"Anthony Flatt's work has greatly increased the success of USA Wrestling in Georgia," said Mark Scott, Director of State Services for USA Wrestling.  "Anthony's commitment to growing the sport is evidenced in all of the positive contributions that he has made." 

Flatt's first experience with wrestling was in the 1980s, as a varsity wrestler for BoysTown High School in Omaha, Neb.  Anthony became involved with Georgia's  wrestling program five years ago when his then 5-year-old son, Adam showed an interest in the sport.  

Flatt is part of the Collins Hill Youth Wrestling Club, which is affiliated with Collins Hill High School in Georgia.  In his first year at Collins Hill, Anthony led a campaign to increase club membership by sending out over 10,000 fliers to local youths at every school in the area. This was fueled by his belief that every kid should wrestle,  

Numbers jumped significantly, making Collins Hill one of the largest wrestling clubs in the state.  Because of the positive impact on so many wrestlers, the club continues to send out these flyers.  

"Every year I get the chance to make a difference in the lives of over 100 amazing kids," said Flatt, when asked about the importance of his involvement on the club-level.

Because of the invaluable lessons learned as a wrestler and a youth coach, Flatt tries to relay this message to prospective parents and wrestlers.  

"Wrestling will be one of the hardest things your kids (or you) will do.  If they stick with it, everything else gets easier - school, sports, and life," said Flatt.

Anthony serves as both the Kids Director and Secretary for Team Georgia USA. In his successful attempt to standardize tournament operations for Team Georgia USA, Flatt is responsible for the implementation of the online registration system used for all tournaments.  

This system has allowed for four-hour tournaments, which has been instrumental in all time record high numbers for wrestlers, coaches, and tournaments in the state of Georgia.

Flatt has also spearheaded an initiative to get more volunteers involved in Georgia wrestling.  This year, Anthony and his volunteers have introduced the "Mat Rats" program for 3-4 year olds, a full-color Kids State Tournament publication, and standardized skin checks at all tournaments. He has also developed an online customer satisfaction survey, which has helped Team Georgia USA be more in tune with what its members think.

"Team Georgia is what it is today because of Anthony Flatt.  He is the hardest working volunteer I have ever seen," said state chairman Shawn Fields.  "Along with his wife, Cheryl, who was the 2006 Volunteer of the Year for Team Georgia USA, Anthony works year-round on behalf of wrestling in Georgia."

Anthony and Cheryl Flatt reside in Lawrenceville, Ga., with their three children.  Adam, 10, Amanda, 8, and Allison, 5, all wrestle for Team Georgia USA.  Though Anthony is heavily involved in wrestling, he and his family still finds time for other sports and academic clubs.  

The Volunteer of the Month program is managed by USA Wrestling's State Services department.  Nominations will be accepted from state associations and individuals.  Send your suggestions to Tony Black at tblack@usawrestling.org

USA Wrestling Volunteers of the Month
February 2007 - Anthony Flatt, Lawrenceville, Ga.
January 2007 - Randy Hinderliter, Ottawa, Kan.