The traditional start of the new international wrestling season is the annual Sunkist Kids International Open, which will be held in Tempe, Ariz., Oct. 22-24.

This popular event returns to the campus of Arizona State Univ. this year, with the competition set to be held at the Wells Fargo Arena.

Many of the nation’s best wrestlers in the men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle and Greco-Roman will compete in the tournament. In addition, a number of talented foreign athletes also traditionally attend this tournament.

Two of the 2009 Sunkist Kids International Open champions later earned spots on the 2010 U.S. World Team, Jake Fisher of the New York AC at 74 kg/163 lbs. in Greco-Roman and Kelsey Campbell of the Sunkist Kids at 59 kg/130 lbs. in women’s freestyle.

Four other 2009 Sunkist Kids International Open medalists also became 2010 World Team members, Obe Blanc of the Gator WC at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Les Sigman of the Nittany Lion WC at 120 kg/286 lbs. in men’s freestyle plus Alyssa Lampe of the Sunkist Kids at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. and Stephany Lee of the Sunkist Kids at 72 kg/158.5 lbs. in women’s freestyle.

There are also team awards given at the Sunkist Kids International. The host Sunkist Kids is the defending team champions in men’s and women’s freestyle. The New York Athletic Club is the defending Greco-Roman team champions.

The tournament begins with Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle, which will be contested on Saturday, October 23. The men’s freestyle competition is set for Sunday, October 24.

There will be a two kilogram allowance in each weight class. The weigh-ins will be held in two locations. Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle athletes will weigh in on Friday, October 22 at the Riches Wrestling Complex. The men’s freestyle athletes will weigh-in on Saturday, October 23 at the Wells Fargo Arena.

Online registration has already begun for all three styles at the Sunkist Kids International Open. An event website has also been set up with complete information on all aspects of the tournament.

Sunkist Kids International Registration

Sunkist Kids International official website

2010 SUNKIST KIDS INTERNATIONAL OPEN SCHEDULE
At Tempe, Ariz.

Friday, October 22nd
(at Riches Wrestling Complex)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Greco-Roman & Women's Freestyle Registration
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM - Greco-Roman & Women's Freestyle Medical Check
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Greco-Roman & Women's Freestyle Weigh-in +2KG

Saturday, October 23rd
(at Wells Fargo Arena)
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM  - Session I - Greco-Roman & Women's Freestyle Preliminaries, Quarterfinals & Consolations
3:00 PM – Conclusion - Session II - Greco-Roman & Women's Freestyle Semifinals, Consolations, Semi-Consolations & All Medal Matches
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Men's Freestyle Registration
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM - Men's Freestyle Medical Check
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Men's Freestyle Weigh-in +2KG

Sunday, October 24th
(at Wells Fargo Arena)
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Session I - Men's Freestyle Preliminaries, Quarterfinals, & Consolations
3:00 PM – Conclusion - Session II - Men's Freestyle Semifinals, Consolations, Semi-Consolations & All Medal Matches

2009 Sunkist Kids International Open champions

Greco-Roman champion
55 kg/121 lbs. - Nate Engel (Sunkist Kids)
60 kg/ 132 lbs. - Joe Betterman (Sunkist Kids) 
66 kg /145.5 lbs. - Jacob Curby (New York AC) 
74 kg/163 lbs. - Jake Fisher (New York AC)
84 kg/185 lbs. - Cheney Haight (New York AC)
96 kg/ 211.5 lbs.- Zac Nielsen (Minnesota Storm)
120 kg/ 264.5 lbs. - Brandon Rupp (New York AC)

Men’s freestyle champions
55 kg/121 lbs. - Sam Hazewinkel (Sunkist Kids)
60 kg/132.25 lbs. - Nate Gallick (Sunkist Kids)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Jared Frayer (Gator WC)
74 kg/163 lbs. - Michael Poeta (Lehigh Valley Athletic Club)
84 kg/185 lbs. - Chris Pendleton (Gator WC)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. - Arturo Basulto (MeatHead WC)
120 kg/264.5 lbs - Aaron Anspach (Nittany Lion WC)

Women's freestyle champions
48 kg/105.75 lbs. - Ashley McKilligan (Canada-BMWC)
51 kg/112.25 lbs. - Genevieve Haley (Canada)
55 kg/121 lbs. - Jillian Gallays (Canada)
59 kg/130 lbs. - Kelsey Campbell (Sunkist Kids)
63 kg/138.75 lbs. - Sara McMann (Sunkist Kids)
67 kg/147.5 lbs. - Adeline Gray (New York AC)
72 kg/158.75 lbs. - Iris Smith (U.S. Army)