Note: USA Wrestling in coopereation with the United States Olympic Training Center has released the new qualification standards for athletes to meet Funded Access Status.  The new standards now include Women's Freestyle wrestling.  To receive the benefits afforded to USA Wrestling by the Olympic Training Center athletes are encouraged to participate in the USA Wrestling sanctioned events that qualify them for Funded Access Status.    ********************************************************************************    Wrestling is a sport where the best coaching and training can make a difference for any committed wrestler. USA Wrestling, as the National Governing Body of Amateur Wrestling, can help wrestlers of many age levels. In conjunction with the United States Olympic Committee, wrestlers that demonstrate athletic achievement and potential can qualify for "Funded Access" status at the Olympic Training Center.     USA Wrestling's National Team Coaches, actively seek talented wrestlers throughout the year to train in Colorado Springs at the OTC. Once a wrestler's eyes are opened to the potential of training with the best coaches and wrestlers nationally, then the desire is often there to reach a higher level. Funded Access status is probably the best way for a wrestler to step into a more challenging environment.    Essentially, Funded Access Status is a list of wrestlers from the Cadet, Junior, and Senior Levels that qualify for room, board, and facility use at the Olympic Training Center. Wrestlers that qualify can access the training center free of charge for National Team Camps that are held several times a year, and for Training Specials set up through USA Wrestling's Developmental Coaches for Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.     Without the Funded Access program, advanced training for wrestlers can be an expensive proposition with a $40 dollar charge for housing. Additionally, wrestlers that have not qualified for Funded Access Status require special approval from the Olympic Training Center staff. The National Coaches for USA Wrestling must approve wrestlers that only want to use the workout facilities.     To qualify for Funded Access Status a competitor must place at the corresponding rank in one of the following tournaments or at their age level. At the Senior Level ranking is also considered.     Men's Freestyle and Greco-Roman    Senior Level:    Top 12 per weight class; 7 weights  University Nationals (18-24) top 6 per weight class; 8 weights  USOEC athletes: All resident athletes  FILA Juniors (17-20): Top 6 per weight class; 9 weights    NCAA Division I: top 6 per weight; 10 weights    Junior Level: (17-20 year olds)    Junior Nationals-top 7 (both Freestyle and Greco-Roman)-15 weights     Cadet Level: (14-16 year olds)    Cadet Nationals-top 4 (Freestyle and Greco-Roman) -  FILA Cadet Nationals-top 4 (Freestyle and Greco-Roman)     Coaches Discretion: 30 people    Women's Freestyle:    Senior athletes: top 10 at the Olympic weights, top 7 at the non-Olympic weights; 7 weight classes    University Nationals (17-24): Top 7 at the Olympic weights; top 5 at the non-Olympic weights; 7 weights    FILA Junior World (17-20): Top 5 per weight class; 8 weights    High School Nationals (folkstyle): top 6 per weight class; 14 weights    Junior Freestyle Nationals (high school): top 6 per weight class; 15 weights    FILA Cadets (15-17): top 5 per weight class; 11 weights    Funded Access Status is gained by meeting one criterion at the corresponding age-group level. By attending the tournaments and earning a placement, wrestlers have a valuable reward in achieving Funded Access Status for one year.     The message from Steve Fraser, Head Greco-Roman Coach for USA Wrestling is clear, "Wrestlers need to get to these tournaments so they can take advantage of the facilities and programs that are available to them in Colorado Springs. Without achieving Funded Access Status it is very hard for USA Wrestling coaches to work with a wrestler."     Similarly, Kevin Jackson, Head National Freestyle Coach, states, "A big concern of mine is that wrestlers don't know about the programs that can benefit them---that's why we need to see wrestlers who are striving to be champions at these tournaments that earn Funded Access Status."     Once wrestlers take the time to earn Funded Access Status and train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs they'll want to be there more often. According to Ike Anderson, Developmental Coach for Greco-Roman Wrestling, "Wrestlers at any level will be amazed by the facilities and quality of competition that they'll find on campus at the OTC. And, when they see that the benefit is provided to them cost-free, then they start checking their calendars to find out when they can come out the next time."     Wrestlers and coaches need to see the bigger picture, concerning why a wrestler should look to compete in tournaments such as the U.S. Nationals held in Las Vegas, or the University Nationals held in Evanston, Illinois. There are tremendous benefits available with USA Wrestling and the United States Olympic Committee for wrestlers wanting to advance their skills. USA Wrestling's National Teams Coaches want wrestlers to know about the special benefits and programs available. Once the scholastic and collegiate season is over wrestlers should make sure that they achieve Funded Access Status by attending and performing well at the tournaments that are qualifiers.     If you need more information about how to qualify for Funded Access Status, or to take advantage of your Funded Access Status, please contact ianderso@usawrestling.org or call Ike Anderson, Developmental Coach, at (719) 598-8181