On Saturday, November 7th, Event Director Denis Ryan teams up with the Sunkist Kids and Arizona State coach Shawn Charles and his staff to present a USA Wrestling sanctioned tournament as a Pinning Down Autism event in Tempe, Ariz.

Ryan is reporting a tremendous early response from teams around the state.

"The Sunkist Kids and ASU Wrestling have stepped to the forefront to promote Autism awareness. These two organizations are the best corporate and community citizens," said Ryan.
 
Action will take place at the Riches Wrestling Center in Tempe, Ariz., with weigh-ins from 7:30-8 am and a clinic conducted by the ASU Wrestling staff from 8-9 am. Competition is set to start at 9:15

Congratulations to Sun Devil wrestling for demonstrating exactly why their program is an indispenable part of the university.

For more information on the Pinning Down Autism mission visit, 
http://www.pinningdownautism.com

The first Pinning Down Autism event was held at Dana College in Blair, Neb. on November 1. It was a very successful event.

Organizers received the following responses from those who attended:

* "My wife is a pretty tough critic of long days at wrestling meets (particularly Sundays).... and she felt the Dana folks put together a great wrestling activity."
 
* "Dana wrestling did their homework in planning and running this event. She was impressed by the fact that among many things, they had games/things for little kids to do when they were not wrestling or awaiting their friends to finish their matches."
 
* "Coach Vest and the guys from Dana did a great job in holding the first annual Pinning Down Autism tourney. It was great for the kids to wrestle against talent from other parts of the state, midwest, and nation. Games, Inflatables, and a great raffle were just part of the great day. I hope more teams attend next year... Millard West brought over 35 guys...Great Job Coach B."
 
* "KUDOS to Dana College Wrestling for this great event. Looking forward to send my kid again next year.