In recent years, USA Wrestling and a committee of local supporters has hosted a successful fundraising program in New Jersey called the Night of Champions. This event allowed the public to rub elbows with heroes from the Olympic family and enjoy sharing the Olympic spirit for a good cause.

The 2009 Night of Champions will be hosted in Bernardsville, N.J. on November 9.  The event will feature a list of accomplished USA athletes in both ice hockey and wrestling.

"We approached USA Hockey to see if they wanted to bring both sports and organizations together to form a joint fund raiser, said Harris Kalofonos, USA Wrestling Manager of Development and Marketing.  "Their obligation would be to bring the current Women's Olympic Hockey Team, while USA Wrestling is responsible for all the operations."

Jake Herbert, a silver medalist at the 2009 World Wrestling Championships in Denmark in September, will represent USA Wrestling.  Herbert achieved great success in his first Senior World championship event, after winning two NCAA Wrestling titles for Northwestern University. 

The Vancouver-bound National Women's Hockey Team, holding the No. 1 world ranking for the first time ever; will be a featured team at this event.  With a solid victory over Canada at the 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation World Women's Championship, the U.S. team has maintained the top ranking for the first time, since the ranking system was introduced in 2004.

Attending the Night of Champions will be five members of the USA National Women's Hockey Team, forwards Julie Chu, Ericka Lawler and Gigi Marvin, plus defensemen Caitlin Cahow and Kerry Weiland. All have inspirational stories to share about their careers, and 

For more information on the Women's National Hockey Team, click below:
Click here for Women's National Team media guide

Also featured on the program is Mike "Rizzo" Eruzoine, the co-captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team.  Eruzoine was responsible for scoring the winning goal against the Soviet Union, propelling the team to winning the gold medal game against Finland at Lake Placid.  According to ESPN viewers, the highlight of Eruzoine's goal was voted the greatest highlight of all time.  Eruzoine is one of the most recognizable U.S. Olympians, regardless of the sport, of all-time.

Since 2004, the President of the Night of Champions, Steven John Jastrabek, his wife Dr. Lynn Jastrabek, and USA Wrestling Director of Development Larry Nugent have spearheaded the activating and organizing of a network of donors responsible for developing such a successful evening for USA Wrestling.

Honorary Chair Debbie Vanderbeek and Co-Chairs Peggy Del Mauro, John Bardis, and Doug Kimmelman will also be in attendance at the once-in-a-lifetime event.  

World-renowned photographer Steven Taylor will be capturing photographs throughout the evening of those in attendance.  Additionally, those guests who attend in support of the Olympic Movement will be given a specially-created moment with the help of Taylor and other special guests.

A live auction, featuring Olympic memorabilia and special opportunities with Team USA during 2010, will also add to the evening for those who purchase a plate.

"This is a great event to show support of USA Wrestling by annual donors and supporters of the sport.  It truly is a once in a life-time chance to show what the sport means to these valuable members of the organization," said Kalofonos.

Reservations can be made by contacting Steven Jastrabek at (973) 769-1135, stevenjohnsalons@yahoo.com or Fran Brenner at (908) 707-1236, fran_brenner@natlmktg.com.