It’s Simple—Really!
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Ted Witulski (USA Wrestling)
02/27/2002
Coaches across the nation give selflessly to the sport of wrestling and are always searching for a way to get a few more kids involved in the sport of wrestling. USA Wrestling, as the National Governing Body of the sport of amateur wrestling in the United States is proud of the efforts of wrestling coaches across the country. Their leadership provides a clear path for youth to learn the great American values inherent in the sport of wrestling. For coaches looking to help grow the sport of wrestling in their area as the high school wrestling season comes to a close. The message from USA Wrestling is easy to understand. "It's simple-really," states Mark Scott Director of State Services for USA Wrestling, "Coaches across the country should take the time to sanction their club or youth team with USA Wrestling. USAW Sanctioned Clubs are a pipeline for kids and coaches to be deeply involved with the sport of amateur wrestling." USA Wrestling's growth is showing in both individual memberships and club memberships. Over the past year membership has grown from 123,469 to 141,540. USA Wrestling Sanctioned Clubs have increased 22% from 2106 to 2675. USA Wrestling's benefits and involvement as the National Organization of amateur wrestling are drawing more and more people to the sport of wrestling. Members interested in participating in competitions year round have more than 1,500 tournaments to choose from in all three wrestling styles. The cost for a having a Sanctioned Club in USA Wrestling's system is very reasonable. Most states have club membership for $50; a few states have a higher fee. (Coaches interested in sanctioning a club should contact their state chairperson for exact price or USA Wrestling's national office at 719-598-8181.) Coaches wanting to join the ranks of USA Wrestling by chartering a club should contact Shonna Vest at svest@usawrestling.org for an information packet. Shonna Vest as Administrative Assistant for Membership with USA Wrestling processes the thousands of membership requests that come to USA Wrestling each spring. "This time of year gets busy at USA Wrestling with the end of the high school season," says Vest, "but we are ready for more coaches across the country to sanction their high school and youth clubs with us. We are looking for another great year in membership at USA Wrestling." Charter Clubs are the framework that organized spring and summer wrestling across country takes place in. Wrestlers seeking to challenge themselves in regional and national competitions should actively seek a USAW Sanctioned Club to participate in wrestling practices after the high school season. Coaches that know scholastic style of wrestling are encouraged to join USA Wrestling this spring. USA Wrestling offers events in all three wrestling styles and it is there to help wrestling fans grow the sport nationally.