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October Crossface Article 2007

10/18/2007, 10:12am CDT
By Justin Tritz

As the fall sports seasons start to wrap up, it is the time of year of excitement, anticipation and for most a sense of apprehension of what the upcoming season will hold for our respective programs. The hours we have put into planning and organizing is equal to time on the mat our wrestlers who perform for us have this summer. 

This is an exciting time for wrestling in Wisconsin, we are seeing growth and improvement in all levels of wrestling for our state. Our summer wrestlers reached new levels at both Nationals and National Duals. The state college programs look as if all programs will have taken a big step this season, many of our states top wrestlers are helping these programs challenge for national notoriety. The Badgers are excited for the season after the reunion recognizing Lee Kemp, Duane Kleven and Russ Hellickson, along with the grand opening of the Lee Kemp Room inside the Tom Talbot Wrestling Complex. Finally, the outlook for the state meet is going to have many story lines, as we have a great pack of wrestles attempting multiple titles. All of this goes to show the growth of our sport in our state, which starts in our practice rooms like it will in the next couple of weeks. 

The WWCA is taking this growth and trying to bring it to all of those in our state who support and promote the sport of wrestling. The WWCA understands that the success our state programs have is not limited to our high school coaches. In an effort to recognize these individuals the WWCA are identifying developmental coaches from each district in the state for their work in Wisconsin wrestling. The goal of this award is to recognize the people in our state that are involved in the development of the sport of wrestling. Those who can be recognized are middle school, youth, Freestyle and Greco as well as club or wrestling school coaches. The recipients this year are Jerry Phelps (Cornell), Dave Bellile (Tomahawk), Chad Wusterbarth (Oconto), Doug LeClair (La Crosse), Rollin Opelt (Neillsville), Louie Zellner (Luxemburg –Casco Youth), Scott Schaffer (Oshkosh Youth Club), Jimmy Wolf (Darlington), Ted Pittz (Mineral Point), Steve Hensel (Elkhorn Wrestling Club), Kevin Bird (Burlington Wrestling Club), Ed Vis (West Allis Wrestling Club), Brian DeGeorge (West Allis Wrestling Club). Thank you gentlemen. 

There are a few new rules or adaptations that are in effect from the NFHS that I want to call your attention to. The first being reverting back to previous ruling on correctable errors, errors that can be corrected with out additional wrestling time can be made as long as either the coach or athlete stays in the mat area. Other changes include requirement of mouth guards for wrestlers with orthodontics, random draw is allowed to select starting weight in championship matches of individual tournaments and if wrestlers report to the scoring table illegally equipped, groomed, or improper uniform is an unsportsmanlike conduct. In the state we are emphasizing sportsmanship on the part of coach and athlete alike, health of athletes in the area of communicable skin conditions, as well as proper weight management of our athletes.

WWCA with assistance from the WIAA want to draw you attention to the recent conversation on MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics). Coaches will be informed at the fall clinic on identification, treatment and prevention of this. We feel that being ahead of the game will help all of our athletes and coaches have a safe productive season. Please take all caution and prevent any of the hygiene problems that may face our athletes. 

Congratulations to the distinguished members of the George Martin Hall of Fame, Dave Black, Jim Grunewald, Bob Skubal and Matt Hanutke. This group has defiantly all have made an impact on where wrestling in our state is today. 

In conclusion, if there is anything you feel needs attention in the sport, please use your district reps or any member of the WWCA Executive Staff. In the year to come we want to help you, our sport and our state reach new levels. 

Tag(s): News