James Ravannack of Metairie, La. has been named the 2001 Man of the Year by USA Wrestling, the national governing body for amateur wrestling. This award recognizes an outstanding man for his contributions to the sport of wrestling.    Ravannack has been one of the most active leaders within USA Wrestling on all of its levels, committing his time, effort and resources for the growth and improvement of the sport and the organization.    He currently serves as Secretary of USA Wrestling, one of the five officers on the USA Wrestling Board of Directors. In that role, he is also a member of USA Wrestling's Executive Committee. He is the chairperson of the Legislative Committee and the Freestyle Coaches Selection Committee, and also serves on the Women's Sports Committee.    Ravannack has served as the USA Wrestling state chairperson in Louisiana since 1996, organizing and developing wrestling activities in his state. The quality of wrestling in Louisiana has improved, and a number of athletes from the state association have gone on to compete at major colleges as well as on the international level.    He has served as the Event Director for numerous USA Wrestling national and regional events, including the Southeast Junior Regional Championships on an annual basis. He has hosted a number of World Dual meets in New Orleans, La. Other major events held in his state have been the Greco-Roman World Team Trials, the Regional Olympic Trials, the Women's Junior and Cadet National Championships as well as an International Junior Festival.    Ravannack has founded the Gator Wrestling Club, which trains and supports a number of talented Senior-level wrestlers in their Olympic quest. He has also organized a USA Wrestling Regional Olympic Training Center in Louisiana, as part of his commitment to the U.S. program.    He has also served as a team leader for numerous U.S. international teams, including the 2001 U.S. Senior Freestyle World Team and the 1999 U.S. Senior World Freestyle Team. He also served as a Team Leader at the 1998 Goodwill Games.    Ravannack was also been a significant contributor to "Wrestling for the Next Millennium," the joint capital campaign that provided support for USA Wrestling, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum and the National Wrestling Coaches Association. He is a member of the Board of Governors for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum.    He wrestled for East Jefferson High School in Louisiana, and on the college level for Louisiana State University. Ravannack was also a high school wrestling coach from 1984-1998. His wife is Jocel, and their family includes Chad, Clare, Kay and Logan.    PAST USA WRESTLING MAN OF THE YEAR WINNERS  2001 - James Ravannack  2000 - Rulon Gardner  1999 - Duane Morgan  1998 - Scott Beck  1997 - Rick Tucci  1996 - Dave Schultz  1995 - Leroy Evans  1994 - James E. Scherr  1993 - Arthur J. Martori  1992 - Bruce Baumgartner  1990 - Eugene Barone  1989 - John Vaughan  1987 - Dave Rudrud  1986 - Jeff Blatnick  1985 - Dr. Dan Gould  1984 - Gary Thompson  1983 - Don Sondgeroth  1982 - Frank Rader  1981 - John Roberts  1980 - Rick Bay  1979 - Ben Bennett  1978 - Werner Holzer  1977 - Vince Zuaro  1976 - Ken Kraft  1974-75 - Russ Hellickson  1973 - Jack Stanbro  1972 - Melvin Jones  1971 - Bud Linholm  1970 - Rex Peery