ESPN challenges wrestling community to prove that wrestling should be broadcast on TV by watching ev

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
05/23/2001


ESPN has challenged the wrestling community and the general public to prove its support of amateur wrestling by viewing two major international-style wrestling events in the upcoming weeks.    ESPN has indicated to USA Wrestling that the ratings results from the 2001 U.S. National Wrestling Championships and the 2001 World Cup of Freestyle Wrestling will be reviewed to determine programming plans on ESPN and ESPN2 for the 2001 World Championships in New York City.    This is a perfect opportunity for wrestlers, coaches, fans and supporters to make a difference in helping promote wrestling.     IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WRESTLING FANS WATCH THESE TWO BROADCASTS, OR SET THEIR VCR TO TAPE THESE TWO BROADCASTS. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT WAY THAT THE WRESTLING COMMUNITY CAN VOICE THE DESIRE TO SEE MORE WRESTLING ON TELEVISION.    The U.S. National Wrestling Championships, originally held in Las Vegas, Nev., will air on ESPN2 on Friday, May 25th at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Action in freestyle, Greco-Roman and women's wrestling will be featured on the telecast.    The World Cup of Freestyle Wrestling, originally held in Baltimore, Md., will air on Tuesday, June 19th at 3:00 p.m. EDT.    Both of these shows are one-hour in length, and will including highlighted matches from the competitions. Fans are requested to write down these broadcast dates and make sure that the shows are watched or videotaped from their homes.    ESPN has aired a number of major international wrestling events each season in recent years. Television networks continuously review and adjust the programming that they broadcast. If wrestling fans wish to see more wrestling, or maintain the amount of wrestling currently aired, they must make sure to view these two events on May 25 and June 19.    NOTE: Please email this message to anybody and everybody who supports wrestling on your email lists.