The Friends of Freestyle Alliance (FOFA) has been created, comprised of volunteer leaders who are dedicated to the goal of making the USA Freestyle Wrestling Team the best in the world.

It has been formed as an ad-hoc committee of USA Wrestling, appointed by President James Ravannack. 

The Friends of Freestyle Alliance will consist of volunteer leaders who have achieved success within international wrestling competition or in the professional world, each who want to make a contribution to enhance the national freestyle program and increase its competitive success.

“I have been involved with the sport of wrestling my entire life, as a competitor, supporter, fan, and parent,” said Jeffrey R. Waters, chairman of the Friends of Freestyle Alliance. “The sport has opened so many doors and provided me with so many benefits that when USA Wrestling asked me to lead a new effort in support of freestyle wrestling in the United States it was an easy decision to get involved. Our vision is to institutionalize a system that leads to consistent success in World and Olympic competitions. We will need the support of the entire wrestling community to make that happen.”

The Friends of Freestyle Alliance membership is currently being formed, as the mission and vision of the organization is being shared within the wrestling community and potential leaders are being informed about the opportunity to serve.

“Our organization is intended to provide a platform for those who want to be involved with helping the sport that means so much to them in a direct and tangible way. Whether you are an elite former competitor or someone for whom wrestling means a lot, this may be a great fit. We seek those who feel that they have talent and resources to give back to the sport. Friends of Freestyle will evolve to meet the changing needs of our sport and to take advantage of what our members have to offer,” said Waters.

As the organization has started to develop, three key areas of concentration have been identified for the initial work of FOFA. The alliance will provide support through the three stages of the lifecycle of an elite international athlete, as follows:

The group will participate in a national talent identification and development program, which will help locate talented young athletes with the potential to grow into future World and Olympic champions for the United States.

Another key concentration will be providing support for the USA National Freestyle Team, helping make sure that current elite wrestlers have the resources necessary to excel on the World and Olympic levels. This includes all aspects that lead to success, including funding and access to elite coaching, quality competition and other necessities. The goal is to develop the depth necessary for sustained excellence within the national program.

The third element is an extensive program of mentoring and career guidance, to ensure that freestyle athletes can make a successful transition into the workforce when their competitive careers have completed. A thoughtful and professional approach will be developed to utilize the expertise and experience of former wrestlers who can make the program most effective.

“This gives us the ‘Team Behind the Team.’ We’ve been missing this vital link and now we have it,” said National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones. “I’m excited about reengaging the alumni and to have them be an integral part of our plan. I’m equally pumped about the American families, friends, and fans joining us too.”

Other projects for FOFA will be developed by those who become members, based upon current needs that evolve moving forward.

Currently, those who have agreed to serve as founding members of FOFA alongside Waters are Greg Elinsky, Kevin Hummer, Andy Hrovat, Jim Pearson and Tommy Rowlands.

“FOFA will be an organization of people that share a common goal. The members all love wrestling and want the United States to reclaim its position as the world's greatest freestyle team. I truly believe in the silent army that is out there, our amazing fraternity of former wrestlers.  We want to tap into that passion and have some fun along the way,” said Waters.

This program is considered an important part of the overall plan for Freestyle Team USA to have its absolute best performance now and in the future, according to Jones.

“The world is more competitive and they are better funded than ever before. The Russians just launched their new four year plan called ‘Fight and Win with Putin!’ Their new strategic long term wrestling plan tied to, supported, and funded by the President of Russia! How are we going to compete with that? Can we can compete with that? The answer is yes. The American people together can beat the Russian wrestling machine. We’re asking the American wrestling public to pick up a hammer, screwdriver, and help rebuild the American wrestling team. This is what Friends of Freestyle will be about,” said Jones.

Recent U.S. freestyle results have been encouraging, but more work must be done to reach the high goals expected from the American wrestling community.

“We were third in the 2011 World Championships, first in the Pan Am Games, first in the Olympic Test Event, and first in the Pan American Championships. But to do this costs money,” said Jones. “We are the beneficiaries of those that came before us. Now it’s time to give back.  We need America's help.”

Additional information on the Friends of Freestyle Alliance will be announced as it develops.