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Welcome back to another anticipated great year with California USA Wrestling an affiliate with USA wrestling, the Olympic governing body of amateur wrestling in the United States. Our mission is to continue to provide quality programs at the state, association and club levels while improving opportunities for young athletes, aspiring offi cials, dedicated coaches and volunteers to fulfi ll their dreams.
Dreams are great to have they give us purpose and help put smiles on our faces-especially when they come to fruition. California-USA Wrestling is beginning to realize a 9 year dream. When I was asked to be the State Chairman we had a dream to build our own facility where we could host events and provide a place to train for our national teams. We have taken a giant leap toward that dream in the City of Tulare. Tulare is a growing community about 40 miles south of Fresno and they have opened their arms and minds to see the advantages of having a 100,00 square foot facility in their town. This project was initiated by a conversation between Bruce Shelton and Greg Nunley at the Western Kid’s Regional in Pocatella, Idaho which has led to a 16 acre land donation, with an option to purchase 16 more acres by Mr. Greg Nunley, a Tulare developer, whose sons wrestle.
We are very close, California-USA Wrestling’s front person on this project has been Rob Valerio and he is doing a outstanding job on this project. Funding for this project is being pursued through federal grants and other avenues of support. Keep your fingers crossed.
Of course our main mission is still the kids. We will not lose sight of this mission. Last year we provided some great tournaments and national teams. As most of you know not every tournament is perfect and as a state association we learn for mistakes and address the concerns poised by you as the members.
Our Kids Regional teams headed up by Bruce Shelton did a wonderful job at the tournament and provided a quality experience for the kids. We had a Cadet dual team sent to the Cadet Dual Team National tournament where they received valuable experience. Our men’s Junior Dual Team placed 6th in both style in Oklahoma City while our women’s Junior Dual Team accomplished an unbelievable feat of not just winning the National Championship over Texas, but they did not allow Texas to score more than 1 team point in the entire dual. This was very exciting and a tribute to the girls mustering the moxie to beat Texas on the level playing field of the dual team format.
Change for this year is on line membership and additional state championships. Your Board of Directors has decided to go completely on line for athlete membership. That means athletes must have their membership card prior to showing up at a local or state championships. You can go online to get them at ca-usaw.org. Officials and coaches must still go online to get their membership, unless you are under 18 and your local association can sign you up as an official and submit your fees.
We have increased our championship dates due to lack of facility size to host our events. We have separated the Frosh-Soph Folkstyle and Kids Folkstyle into 2 different dates. The Frosh-Soph will be held at Selland Arena March 12-13-14 and the Kid’s Folkstyle will be held at Selland Arena March 19-20-21. We have also separated the Cadet State Championship to May April 30-May 1-2, 2010 in Selland. I think these changes will improve tournament quality and provide better opportunities for kids and parents to participate in.
I keep reiterating the importance of athletes and coaches to participate in the different style of wrestling offered in California. Improving and broadening the skill levels through not just folkstyle, but learning basic skills in freestyle and Greco-roman that transition to all styles of wrestling is invaluable. Coaches-open your eyes and minds to learn the skills to teach the different styles to help your athletes become a well rounded athlete. Have higher goals than just wining a folkstyle state championship-reach for the stars. California has produced many Olympians and Olympic Champions-this would be worthwhile road to travel down. Of course all of the life’s lessons learned as you go down that road are the true benefits of participating.
As always, if you have any question, we are always willing to address them. Please read the material and browse our website ca-usaw.org before you make any contact. You can contact myself or Rob at our email addresses mduane5657@aol.com or calusarob@aol.com.
Have a Great Season and see you on the Mat
Duane Morgan
State Chairman
California USA Wrestling Inc.