EXECUTIVE NOTES By Rich Bender, Executive Director
CREATING ALLIANCES TO HELP GROW WRESTLING USA Wrestling has specific responsibilities due to its designa-
tion as the National Governing Body for wrestling in the United States. Because of its affiliation with the U.S. Olympic Committee and FILA, the international wrestling federation, the organization is charged with developing the athletes and teams which represent our nation in international competition. A large part of USA Wrestling’s program focuses on the devel- opment of the sport, providing events and activities for wrestlers of all ages on the local, state, regional and national levels. This is the pipeline for our future elite teams, but it is also an
avenue to help fuel the growth and expansion of our sport within our nation. Education is a cornerstone for this effort. USA Wrestling takes its responsibility as a leader within wrestling very seriously. In order to help wrestling on all levels, it is important that we partner with other wrestling organizations when possible to benefit the entire sport. When the wrestling community works together, all pulling on
the rope in the same direction, great things become possible. An example is the cooperative effort with USA Wrestling and
the National Wrestling Hall of Fame to host two of the sports major events back-to-back in Oklahoma in June. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Honors Weekend is set
for Stillwater, Okla., June 8-9, as the Class of 2011 is inducted. The U.S. World Team Trials, which features the nation’s best wrestlers in the three Olympic styles, will follow at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., June 10-11. Wrestling fans will have an opportunity to attend both of these
outstanding events, each which showcases our sport at its absolute best. Another example is the cooperative efforts of the Making A
Difference tournament program, which is explained further in this issue of USA Wrestler. USA Wrestling’s national office and its state associations are working together to develop a quality competition, with the pro- ceeds going directly to college wrestling. We are partnering with existing college wrestling programs,
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which are providing support for these events, in terms of facilities, volunteers and promotional efforts. Also included is the National Wrestling Coaches Association, which takes a leadership role in preserving and developing college wrestling opportunities. Money is raised for college wrestling, with many people involved in making it happen. Everybody wins when a Making A Difference event is successful. We are looking forward to expanding this program next sea-
son, partnering with more state associations and helping addi- tional college programs. Another example of a cooperative effort is the USA Wrestling Freestyle Coaches Summit, which is scheduled for mid-May in Colorado Springs, Colo. National Coach Zeke Jones has invited more than 35 elite wrestling coaches to come together and work on setting the national plan for our freestyle effort. This is a who’s who list of our sports legends. Included on the preliminary list are the coaches from the top college wrestling programs in the nation, as well as from the national wrestling clubs and regional training centers. The group included three Olympic champions, five World champions, 10 Olympians and eight Olympic coaches. These are the leaders who are helping build our current and future champions. Once again, an organized and cooperative effort among peo-
ple from many different groups is essential for our sport to improve its performance. USA Wrestling is committed to reaching out to those within
our sport who are willing to find ways to work together for the benefit of all. This will require many people to keep their minds open and
focus on the bigger picture. Finding a common ground when it comes to the major chal-
lenges facing wrestling is the best strategy for success. We encourage others to think about the best ways we can work together and make our great sport even better.
KC
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