2001 University Nationals and FILA Cadet Nationals to be held March 28-April 1 at Northwestern Unive

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Heather Van Peursem (USA Wrestling)
03/23/2001


2001 University Nationals and FILA Cadet Nationals to be held March 28-April 1 at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.     Many of the top young wrestlers in the nation on the youth and college levels will compete at the 2001 University Nationals and FILA Cadet Nationals at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., March 28-April 1.      The University Nationals features the top 18-24 year-old male wrestlers in the nation, competing in the Olympic styles of freestyle and Greco-Roman. Many of the athletes in the University age level have also been successful on the Senior level.       Some of the top-rated University freestyle athletes include defending champions Joe Heskett of Iowa (167.5) and Damion Hahn of Minnesota (187.25).      In Greco-Roman, returning champions include Davey Starks of Wisconsin (110), Camilo Gonzales of California (119), Tom Ciezki of Illinois (167.5) and Chael Sonnen of Oregon (187.25).     For the fourth straight year, USA Wrestling will host a women's division at the University National Championships. For the second year, foreign teams have been invited to the event.      Among the defending University National champions are: Angela Hesener of Michigan (101.25), Tina George-Wilson of Colorado (123.25), Sara McMann of Pennsylvania (136.5), Kristie Marano  of New York (149.75) and Iris Smith of Colorado (165.25).     The competition features many of the best women wrestlers in the nation, including many top athletes on the college level. College teams from Missouri Valley College, University of Minnesota at Morris and Cumberland College are expected as well as Canadian college teams, and U.S. club programs.     The top 15-17 year-old male wrestlers in the nation will compete in freestyle and Greco-Roman at the FILA Cadet Nationals. (Champions will qualify for an international Tour de Monde trip.)     All FILA Cadets will comply with the new USA Wrestling weigh-in policies and procedures passed this winter, weighing in every day of competition. Due to World and Pan American Team qualifications, the University Division will not follow the new weigh-in policies.       There will be no multiple weigh-ins for any University athletes, however each athlete must weigh-in for each style.  There is no weight allowance for any of the styles at this event.      The winners of the University freestyle men will be qualified to represent the United States in the Pan American Championships, to be held May 17-20, 2001 in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic.      The winners of the University women's freestyle division and Greco-Roman men's division will qualify for the World Team Trials in their style, to be held June 21-24, 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio.       It should be noted that the University Men's Division has an additional weight class at 110 pounds that is not present at the Senior level. The Greco-Roman 110-pound champion will qualify for the Greco-Roman Final World Team Trials at 54 kg (119 lb.). If a foreign competitor wins the women's University Division, the highest placing American will qualify for the Final World Team Trials. Foreign athletes are not permitted to compete in the men's University division.     The men's Greco-Roman competition will begin on Thursday, March 29, with sessions at 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m and continues on Friday, March 30 with a session time of 9:00 a.m.     The men's freestyle competition will begin on Friday, March 30 with session times of 12:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and continues on Saturday, March 31 with session times of 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 1 with session times of 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.      The women's freestyle competition will be held Saturday, March 31, with session times of 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 1 with times of 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.      For more information, contact Event Director Tony Ersland of Northwestern University at 847-491-4637.