The Virginia Challenge will play host to Wrestle-FEST 2004, the next to last stop in the USA Wrestling Ultimate Challenge Series. The event is set for March 12-14, 2004, at the brand new Batten Center, on the campus of Wesleyan College, Norfolk, Va.      This unique concept, which was the innovative idea of Virginia Challenge member Frank Lipoli, will include four outstanding events. Two of the events that make up Wrestle-FEST 2004 are included in USA Wrestling's Ultimate Challenge Series:  the Middle School National Open and the Youth National Open.  Athletes competing in these two events will be scoring points in the USA Wrestling Ultimate Challenge Series. These competitions will be for athletes from 3rd through 8th grade.      "USA Wrestling is excited to be partnering with the Virginia Challenge in bring this outstanding slate events to the national forefront", said USA Wrestling Director of State Services Mark Scott.  "The Virginia Challenge brings a long history of conducting exciting and well organized events to the wrestling arena, and Wrestle-FEST 2004 will become one of the country's most outstanding events for youth wrestlers."     Over a two-day period, March 12-14, close to 1,500 competitors will compete in the brand new Batten.    Besides the two Ultimate Challenge Series tournaments, the other events included in Wrestle-FEST 2004 are the Virginia/USAW Freshman State Championships, and the Virginia Challenge Match VI "The Showdown." The Freshman event will determine the "best" ninth grade wrestlers in the State of Virginia and the Challenge Match VI will crown team Champions for the State of Virginia.    This unique event will allow athletes of various ages and abilities to compete side by side in a wrestling extravaganza that is second to none. Already, athletes from over 25 states have registered for the two Open events. The goal is for over 30 states to be reached as registrations for this event continue to come in.    "The Virginia Challenge, in cooperation with USAW/Virginia and USA Wrestling, wanted to create an event that was innovative, unique and that would attract athletes from across the country and the State of Virginia.  We believe we have accomplished our goal with 'Wrestle-FEST 2004," said Wrestle-FEST organizer Frank Lipoli.    For more information on Wrestle-FEST 2004 visit www.virginiachallenge.com or contact Frank Lipoli at 757-652-7861.