USA Wrestling to host its largest age-group women’s event, with five national events in Saint Joseph

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
04/02/2003


USA Wrestling is expecting its largest age-group women's wrestling event in history, when five major national championship events for young women are held together in one venue at St. Benedicts College in St. Joseph, Minn., April 11-13.    The event will feature three of USA Wrestling's major women's age-group national freestyle events: the University Nationals, the FILA Junior Nationals and the FILA Cadet Nationals. In addition, two additional national level events have been added, the National High School Folkstyle Championships and the Girls Freestyle Nationals.    Those seeking information on any or all of these events have updated contact information from previous announcements. For information, please contact Minnesota USA Wrestling's office at (612)822-2298 or John Holthaus at (320)632-1972.    Because of the five different events, some athletes who meet the proper age requirements will be able to participate in more than one division.    The FILA Junior National Championships feature athletes who are ages 17-20 (born 1983-1986). This is the qualifying event for the 2003 Junior World Championships, set for Istanbul, Turkey, August 22-29. Please note that the FILA Junior weights for women are different than those used last year (see the event flier for all weight class information).    The University National Championships feature athletes who are ages 18-24 and whose class has graduated high school (born 1979-1985). This will include many of the top college and military wrestlers in the nation. The champions of this event qualify to compete in the Senior World Team Trials in Indianapolis, Ind., June 20-22.    The FILA Cadet National Championships feature athletes who are ages 15-17 (born 1986-88). This event qualifies athletes for a partially subsidized international tour.    Those competing in the University, FILA Junior and FILA Cadet Nationals are reminded that red and blue high cut singlet or women's singlet is required, and a sleeveless sports top must be worn under the singlet (no t-shirts). This is the required uniform for national freestyle competitions within USA Wrestling.    The two new events will offer young athletes an opportunity to test their skills. The National High School Folkstyle Championships will be held for athletes in Grades 9-12 in the scholastic style of wrestling. The Girls Freestyle Nationals will be split into two divisions: Grades 3-6 and Grades 7-8.     For those participating in all of these events, a current USA Wrestling membership card is required. Those who do not currently have a USA Wrestling membership card can purchase one at registration.     Please note that the flyer did not indicate where registration for the FILA Junior, FILA Cadet, High School and Girls division will be held on Friday, April 11. This will take place at the Holiday Inn in Saint Cloud from 5:00-6:00 p.m., the same location as the weigh-ins that begin at 6:00 p.m. For the University Division, registration is at Clemens Field House, the competition arena, on Saturday, April 12 at 3:00 p.m., followed by weigh-ins at 4:00 p.m.    "Working with our partners at Minnesota USA Wrestling, we are excited to provide young female wrestlers with another showcase competition," said Pete Isais, USA Wrestling National Events Director. "Young women wrestlers will be able to get numerous quality matches, as well as test themselves against the best competition from across the nation."   St. Benedicts College is an all-women's university outside of St. Cloud, Minn. The host hotel is the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 37th Avenue and W Division in St. Cloud. Contact the hotel at (320)253-9000 and please ask for the USA Wrestling Room Rate.    To print off a PDF file of the event flier, click here.    2002 CHAMPIONS FROM EACH DIVISION    2002 University Nationals champions -105.5 - Miriam Jenkins (U.S. Marines); 112.25 -  Danielle Hobeika (Dave Schultz WC); 121 - Tina George (U.S. Army); 130 -  Cathilee Albert (Black Knight); 138.75 - Sara McMann (Sunkist Kids); 147.5 - Kristie Marano (ATWA); 158.5 - Iris Smith (U.S. Army); 169.5 - Alicia Wilson (Minnesota Storm)    2002 FILA Junior Nationals champions - 94.5 - Liz Short (UM-Morris); 101 - Sara Fulp-Allen (SF Peninsula Grapplers); 110  - Katrina Betts (UM-Morris); 118.75 - Brooke Bogren (KS); 127.5 - Brandy Rosenbrock (Phat Pack); 138.5 - Erin Tomeo (Sunkist Kids); 149.5 - Toccara Montgomery (Cumberland College); 165 - Randi Miller (Dave Schultz WC)    2002 FILA Cadet Nationals champions - 94.5 - Bernadette Javier (Wahine WC); 101 - Sara Fulp-Allen (SF Peninsula Grapplers); 108.25 - Amberle Montgomery (Eastside); 114.5  - Natasha Umemoto (USA Cobra); 123.5 - Deanna Rix (SMT); 132  - Chelynne Pringle (Minneapolis); 143 - 1st - Anna Jenkins (Phat Pack); 154 - Heather Martin (All-American); 169.5- Samantha Lang (Peninsula)