MANHEIM, PA – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has named Wes Battle, a former collegiate wrestler and Chief of Staff for the Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling (CPOW), as the keynote speaker for the 2013 NWCA Annual Convention.
 
Battle will speak at the second day of the conference, Aug. 2, from 12:30 pm to 2 pm speaking to conference attendees in a luncheon format.
 
Battle, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, has strong ties to the wrestling community. Battle competed collegiately for the University of Virginia and was named the Chief of Staff for CPOW in March. 
 
Aside from wrestling, Battle has worked in a variety of industries. Following college Battle worked in New York City as both a reporter for publications such as the New York Times. After his time as a reporter, Battle enlisted with the United States Navy following the terrorist attacks in 2001. 
 
While in the Navy, Battle served two tours in the Middle East in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom flying jets off of aircraft carriers. During his service Battle earned several awards and honors, including “Wings of Gold” which he earned in 2003.
 
In 2008 Battle joined the Pentagon as a speechwriter to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Battle concluded his naval career in 2011 working in International Affairs for the Secretary of the Navy.  
 
Battle then began his career on Capitol Hill in 2012 serving as the Communications Director for Virginian Congressmen Randy Forbes.
 
Apart from his professional and wrestling endeavors, Battle is an avid golfer and triathlete, having competed in three Ironman triathlons including the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. 
 
The convention, sponsored by Asics, Cliff Keen Athletic and Resilite, will hold all sessions at the Westin Beach Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from Aug. 2-4. 

Event registration will cost $250 per attendee, who will then be able to make reservations at the host Westin Resort and Spa for $109 per night.

For more information about conference including a complete schedule and hospitality information visit the NWCA at http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwcawebsite/events/nwcaconvention.aspx.

About the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA)
The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on developing coaches who work in academic environments.   The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling.  The three core competencies of the NWCA are: coaching development, student-athlete welfare, and promotion of wrestling.

About Asics 
ASICS, an acronym derived from the Latin phrase, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano - a sound mind in a sound body. Staying true to the philosophy by which it was founded, every ASICS innovation, every concept, every idea is intended to create the best product. Our mission is to become the number one brand for the sports enthusiast. To accomplish this, we pledge to continue to make the best product; striving to build upon our technological advances and pushing the limits on what we can learn from the body and its needs in athletic gear. We pledge to bring harmony to the body and soul. 

About Cliff Keen 
Cliff Keen Athletic is a wrestling and officials wear company, dedicated to the advancement of athletics through innovative products and communications. Cliff Keen Athletic exemplifies the rich traditions of sport and the superior quality of athletic wear required for holding up to the rigors of competition. 

About Resilite 
For nearly 50 years, Resilite has been manufacturing quality athletic mats. Resilite has grown from a manufacturing leader of wrestling mats to providing protective mats for gymnastics, cheerleading, pre-school, tumbling, weightlifting, and more. Our reputation for customer satisfaction and first class workmanship has made Resilite the world's largest mat manufacturer.