Local Organizers Planning a Celebration of American Wrestling at U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Wrestling

<< Back to Articles
Jason Orton (Indiana Sports Corporation)
05/13/2004


The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Wrestling announced it is planning a celebration of American wrestling and the Olympic spirit for the event, which takes place May 21-23 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.     "We're are planning to make this competition the very best experience for athletes, coaches, officials and spectators," said LOC co-chair Thomas Major, Jr. "We're going to honor the rich past, present and future of those who are involved in the sport and have been so dedicated to ensuring its success."    Part of the LOC's plan is to have a special theme each day that represents the ideals of the event and commemorates the accomplishments of wrestling coaches and athletes. In addition, the LOC, coaches and athletes will pay special tribute to the men and women serving in the Armed Forces.    "We feel the reason the Olympics happen and the reason we have the opportunities to put on a safe and secure event is because of the men and women who are serving our country," said LOC co-chair and Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Mike O'Connor.    The tribute to the men and women in the U.S. Military will be on Friday as part of the "A Celebration of the American Olympic Spirit." A special presentation will be made in honor of those serving in our U.S. Armed Forces both within our borders and around the world. It will include a music video tribute and recognition of all of the individuals present at the event that serve in the Armed Forces.    Saturday will be "A Celebration of Wrestling Coaches," saluting wrestling coaches from all levels - club, high school, college and elite-level - for teaching both athletic and life skills to generations of young people.     2003 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Coach of the Year Mike Goebel, head coach at Evansville (Indiana) Mater Dei High School will be recognized for the accomplishments of his athletes on the mat during the evening session.     In addition, appearing in the Gold Medal Club Lounge to sign autographs will be U.S. Olympic Freestyle Coaches - Kevin Jackson, Bobby Douglas, Zeke Jones, Tom Brands and legendary coach Dan Gable.    The theme Sunday will be a "Celebration of the Athletes." Athletes who are participating in the "State's Best-America's Best" program will make a visit to the mats, including high school individual state champions, and past Olympic medalists.    There will also be several current and former athletes who will be appearing in the Gold Medal Club Lounge and signing autographs, including the U.S. Olympic Women's Coaches - Terry Steiner, and Tricia and Townsend Saunders - and Olympic champion Kendall Cross.    Tickets for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials are on sale now. All-Session tickets are available for $150 and $80. Single-Day tickets are available for as low as $12. To get tickets, visit any Ticketmaster outlet, the RCA Dome Box Office or order online at www.ticketmaster.com.    All ticket purchasers will be entered in a drawing to receive tickets to watch USA take on the World at the Olympics in Athens. The winner will be announced Sunday, May 23 at the Olympic Trials and must be present at the event to win.    For hotel reservations, fans should contact the Wrestling Housing Bureau at 1-800-556-INDY (4639) or housing@indianapolis.org to reserve hotel rooms as soon as possible.