USA Wrestling CASE STATEMENT Introduction Mission Statement...... 4 USA Wrestling Overview...... 6 Programs National Teams...... 9 Wrestler for Life...... 14 USA Wrestling for Peace...... 15 Living the Dream Metal Fund...... 18 Coaches Education Program...... 20 The Opportunity Funding Opportunities...... 22 SafeSport...... 23 Who is Involved Board of Directors - Executive Committee...... 24 Partners & Suppliers...... 26 Directors...... 28

Cover Photo: 2016 Olympic gold medalist (97 kg) stands victorious at the 2017 World Championships in , France. Snyder defeated “The Russian Tank” by a score of 6-5 in what was dubbed “The Match of the Century” and earned his second-consecutive World Championship leading Team USA to its first World Championship since 1995. Photo credit: Tony Rotundo Media Group

Above Photo: 2012 Olympic gold medalist (74 kg) celebrates his fourth World gold medal in Paris, France, at the 2017 World Championships. Photo credit: Tony Rotundo Media Group USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 3 THE MISSION

USA Wrestling, guided by the Olympic Spirit, provides quality opportunities for its members to achieve their full human and athletic potential. USA Wrestling strives to be the World’s best Olympic Sports “Wrestling has greatly impacted my Organization. life. The sport has taught me important USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for USA Wrestling has more than 230,000 members. the Sport of Amateur Wrestling in the United These members include athletes of all ages, life lessons. There is nothing easy about States and the sports' representative to the United coaches, officials, parents, and fans striving States Olympic Committee and the international together to strengthen the sport. Each year, USA wrestling. The sport has made me wrestling federation . USA Wrestling charters over 4,500 wrestling clubs and Wrestling is the central organization that sanctions over 2,100 local, state, regional and stronger and better equipped to set and coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the national competitions. nation and works to create interest and achieve my goals.” participation in these programs.  –Joe Russell Manager of Freestyle Programs and National Wrestling Hall of Fame ‘Medal of Courage’ Recipient

Robby Smith, Greco-Roman wrestler. Photo credit: Tony Rotundo Media Group.

4 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 5 Colorado Springs, Colorado. National Freestyle Development Coach and , also captured gold medals. In 1999 the Until recently, the mid 1990s were considered the Women’s Freestyle Team brought home its first Golden Era for USA Wrestling. In 1993 and 1995 and only World Championship on the backs of the won its first two Men’s World gold-medal performances by Tricia Saunders, the Championships in freestyle. The 1993 team was first woman to be inducted into the National led by gold medalists Tom and Terry Brands, who Wrestling Hall of Fame and Sandra Bacher. USA are now the coaches at the University of Iowa, Wrestling’s next World Championship came in , the most decorated athlete in 2007, when the Greco-Roman program won a USA Wrestling history and current President of the World Title. Although there were no individual USA Wrestling Board of Directors, and Melvin Kyle Snyder emotes after being declared World Champion at the 2017 World Championships in Paris, France. Photo credit: Tony champions, the team had three medalists. Brad Rotundo Media Group Douglas. Verring earned a silver, while Justin Lester and Based around the nucleus of the 1993 team, the both won bronze. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1995 team won another World Championship with 2017 could be considered the most successful year repeat gold performances by Terry Brands and in USA Wrestling’s History. The Men’s ASSOCIATION Bruce Baumgartner. Kevin Jackson, the current

OVERVIEW AAU. Even then it took until 1983 to gain official The precursor to USA Wrestling was the United recognition. Winning in arbitration can be largely States Wrestling Federation (USWF). Founded in credited to USWF executive director, Steve 1968 in response to the lack of funding and Combs. Combs had been the State Chairman for resources provided by the Amateur Athletic Union the Illinois Wrestling Federation, the largest and (AAU), which governed all amateur sports in the most successful state organization in USWF. United States, USWF created a support system USA Wrestling implemented many new programs and governing body specifically for wrestling. The to promote wrestling growth across the country first executive committee consisted of University of including an innovative new sports medicine Minnesota head coach Wally Johnson as program and the creation of extensive President, Athletic Director of Rochester College instructional materials for wrestling technique, Joseph Rockenback as First Vice President, 1960 coaching and officiating. The USWF grew from Olympic Champion Terry McCann as Second Vice 18,000 members in 1975 to nearly 50,000 in 1978. President, and Richard Schafer of the National All of these were major factors in the arbiter’s Federation of State High School Athletic ruling to allow the USWF to replace the AAU as Associations as Secretary-Treasurer. The first wrestling’s NGB. In March 1983, USWF adopted Executive Director was Hall of Fame Coach and the new name the “United States of America Olympian Myron Roderick. Wrestling Association”, “USA Wrestling” for short. However, it wasn’t until 1978, after going through This is the moniker we still go by today. In 1987 lengthy arbitration that USWF was able to assume USA Wrestling voted to move its headquarters the mantle of National Governing Body from the Helen Maroulis (58 kg) dominated the 2017 World Championships in Paris earning a 5-0 record at the tournament and outscoring from Stillwater, Oklahoma to its current location in her opponents 52-0. Photo credit: Tony Rotundo Media Group

6 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 7 "It is a tough sport, but it continues to show us new horizons and in USA Wrestling has been a catalyst for women’s in age-group World Teams, the current crop of its own way…it keeps things real. It has a way of humbling you on a wrestling in the country. Our efforts have directly Cadets and Juniors in all three styles are the best contributed to the growth of wrestling at the USA Wrestling has seen. This clearly represents a daily basis. I am forever grateful for the sport in my life." youth, high school and college levels. In 1998, trend from earlier development successes, as well – Terry Steiner, Women’s National Team Coach; NCAA Div. I Champion and All- there was only one state to sanction women’s high as a major reason why the Accelerator Program American school wrestling. Since that date, eight states holds so much promise for USA Wrestling have sanctioned the sport with multiple states in programs overall. the process of pursuing sanction. The mid-1990s saw the start of women’s wrestling at the college WHERE THE PROGRAM HAS COME FROM and university levels, and today there are almost The national clubs, such as Sunkist Kids, Titan 50 schools with women’s wrestling. Mercury Wrestling Club, and the New York Athletic Team won its third World Championship with women’s side, Maya Nelson became our first Club, provide training facilities, access to elite- Jordan Burroughs and Kyle Snyder taking home Junior World Champion women's freestyle since level coaching, and additional resources that gold medals. The Women’s Team finished second, 2010, and in Greco-Roman Cohlton Schultz and enable our athletes to pursue their dreams and and Helen Maroulis cemented herself as the best Kamal Bey became the first Cadet and Junior accomplish their goals. female wrestler on the planet after outscoring her Champions, respectively since 1997 and 1999. USA opponents 52-0 on her way to a gold medal. The Wrestling also secured an individual title at the Regional Training Centers (RTC) - USA Wrestling youth programs had tremendous success as well inaugural U23 World Championships where Richie has made a significant shift in the American with the Junior Men’s Freestyle Team winning a Lewis earned a gold medal in men’s freestyle. In wrestling pipeline by supporting and World Championship on the strength of four total, USA Wrestling brought home 32 World strengthening the Regional Training Center (RTC) individual gold medalists. The Men’s Cadet medals: the largest haul in history. NATIONAL TEAMS Program. Since 2008, 33 RTCs have added millions Freestyle Team finished in second. On the in new funding to the National Team Program and provided opportunity for hundreds of Senior-level The National Teams Program is structured to wrestlers to train and compete. provide targeted competition to best grow and benefit USAW’s three styles of competition: men’s The RTC system, which is mostly based on college freestyle, women’s freestyle, and Greco-Roman at campuses, has produced many positive results for the Cadet, Junior and Senior team levels. the Men's Freestyle Program. More college coaches than ever are engaged in the National Team Program and NCAA coaches now have WHY NATIONAL TEAMS? increased knowledge of men's freestyle wrestling To represent the United States on the competitive rules, techniques, and tactics. RTCs have global stage in the World’s oldest sport. strengthened relationships between USA Wrestling, the USOC, and the NCAA. Going NATIONAL CLUBS AND REGIONAL hand-in-hand with the RTCs are the national clubs. TRAINING CENTERS (RTCS) Wrestling Facility - The newly-dedicated Bill Farrell USA Wrestling has made several key hires and laid Wrestling Center within the Olympic Training the foundation in recent years for the National Center is a giant step forward for USA Wrestling. Jordan Burroughs battles long-time rival Kyle Dake at the 2017 World Team Trials in Lincoln, Nebraska. Burroughs won 2 of 3 Teams Program. Though traditionally competitive matches to earn a spot on the World Team. Overcrowding is no longer a problem and the risk 8 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 9 planning and on-site nutritional assistance at contractor through Rio but since have decided to “Wrestling set a foundation for me for the rest of my competitive venues. use a new contractor for the Tokyo Quad. This contractor will work closely with the USOC Sport Strength and Conditioning - The National Team life. For 33 years, I’ve drawn on the lessons of individual Technology Staff to ensure USA Wrestling’s uses the strength and conditioning facility at all coaches and athletes are getting the timely discipline, fighting spirit, and the will not to give up." National Team training camps. There are between scouting information they need to prepare for key 20 and 30 camps each year, with training sessions –  Major General Paul Kennedy, USMC matches. Continued USOC funding in this area is occurring 2-3 times each week. The strength and very important as we do not have the personnel at conditioning staff lead individual workouts and USA Wrestling to meet our needs in this critical provide wrestling-specific training. The Resident area. Program is also a heavy user of the USOC Strength and Conditioning support. Sports Physiology and Psychology - USA Wrestling of injury has decreased significantly. Rather than required at each of the scheduled Resident currently uses sports physiology services, as Technology - USA Wrestling has worked with the structuring practice around the constraints of a Program workouts and coverage is needed for the needed, on an individual basis as well as to deal USOC Sports Technology Staff to develop a small training space, our coaches are now able to 20-30 National Team and Developmental training with specific mental health issues that may arise. Dartfish system for scouting and athlete organize workouts to achieve maximum training camps at the OTC each year. The Psychology Department has been very helpful evaluation. This system is a major advantage to outcomes on the seven mats in the facility. in assisting with acclimation planning and testing. Massage Therapy - The use of massage therapy USA Wrestling and the organization plans to At least once a year, the Sports Psychologist is Team Leaders - USA Wrestling’s Team Leader plays a key role in athlete recovery. This is continue its development. USAW’s Men’s Freestyle invited to meet with the National Team to explain Program has been a tremendous boost for their especially true when their teams travel to high- was heavily involved with an independent Dartfish coaches and athletes. Often times, Team Leaders level international competitions. USA Wrestling are former wrestlers or current fans that are has developed relationships with massage successful in the business community. Team therapists that are currently in the USOC’s medical Leaders are involved in all aspects of the pool. programs, including logistical, strategic, and Sports Nutrition - Nutritional support is one of the operational support. most highly-valued resource among the National Integration of Sport Performance Services - Each Team and resident programs. Sports Nutrition has year, coaches lay out the training and competition helped in the following areas: plan and request Sports Performance Services Strategies for weight gain and weight loss, support from the United States Olympic hydration testing, dehydration strategies, Committee (USOC). All three programs have rehydration after weigh-in, and weight checks. increased their use of the USOC Sports Performance Services, and USA Wrestling believes The USOC/USA Wrestling weight control this has added a margin of performance that could guidelines, developed in collaboration with the be the difference in a medal. USOC Nutrition Staff have been instrumental in recent team performance. These services include: Sports Nutrition provides game day nutritional Sports Medicine - Sports medicine services are Alli Ragan (60 kg) goes for the pin against her opponent at the 2017 World Championships where she captured her second support for the teams, which includes meal consecutive World Silver Medal. Photo credit: Tony Rotundo Media Group vital to USA Wrestling’s success. Trainers are

10 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 11 The average age of U.S. medalists has been WHO WILL BENEFIT younger in the last several quads. USA Wrestling Participants in all of USA Wrestling’s national must embrace this trend and continue to develop teams - Men’s Freestyle, Women’s Freestyle, and its early identification system and specialized Greco-Roman - at the Cadet, Junior, and Senior training for top young prospects. The National levels. Teams staff has outlined a new structure that will People managing the RTC - business fast-track the athletic development of elite high opportunities school athletes to potential Olympic success. This Accelerator Program includes training and Sports performance professionals competition in a world-class environment. Colleges and Universities - stronger pipeline of Expanding the athletic development capabilities wrestling student-athlete talent of the Accelerator Program will challenge young prospects in a supportive environment to help United States Olympic Committee - stronger them become Olympic competitors and wrestling program champions.

Robby Smith, Team USA’s No. 1 Heavyweight (130 kg) at the 2017 World Championships in Paris, France. The Accelerator Program development plan also WOMEN’S OLYMPIC WRESTLING includes an academic solution for its participants. SPONSORED BY THE LEHMAN FAMILY the services available and to allow athletes an and results at World-level events were the key USA Wrestling plans to establish a partnership Women’s wrestling in the United States is on the opportunity to seek support in this area. factor. Now is the time for the U.S. to accelerate its with School District 49 and the Springs Studio for cusp of exploding. Since the Women’s World rise to the top with a focus on identifying and Academic Excellence in Colorado. This Championships were created in 1987, the sport developing young talent of both genders. USA WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING partnership will provide a blended education has seen consistent growth across all levels, and Wrestling has developed its Accelerator Program Up to this point, much of USA Wrestling’s National structure designed to allow these athletes to be participation levels show no sign of slowing down. within the National Teams High Performance Team Program efforts have been directed at the full-time students, while providing sufficient As such, youth development is absolutely critical Program to formalize its youth development Senior athletes. It was a winning strategy for a flexibility to accommodate training and with our athletes, and investing in our Cadet and intentions. program in its beginning stage as funding was thin competition schedules. All courses at the Springs Junior programs is a must if we expect to see Studio are certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse, success at the Senior level. In March of 2018, Dr. which is critical for students who wish to pursue David Lehman committed $1.5M to elevating the goals of competing in college. Women’s Freestyle Wrestling. Dr. Lehman’s "I was introduced to the sport of wrestling at an early age. The contribution, dubbed the ‘Lehman Family The program will also lay the foundation for values that are instilled by the sport of wrestling: work ethic, Charitable Foundation’ ensures our Cadet, Junior, post-high school success by including pre-college and Seniors level have greater access to camps, discipline, mental toughness; if you do it long enough it becomes counseling, athletic and academic scholarship tournaments, coaches and referee education, something that transcends the sport." support, financial-aid assistance, and college- SafeSport, as well as other developmental entrance assessments. Students who are – Billy Baldwin, actor, commentator, and former wrestler resources leading up to the 2020 Olympics in interested in continuing their education beyond Tokyo, Japan. high school may also obtain an associate degree while still being part of the program.

12 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 13 FINAL POINT people long after leaving the mat, many wrestlers FINAL POINT WHY USAW4P? There are many reasons to be optimistic about do not keep up with the current happenings at Wrestler for Life is completely free to sign up for To foster international relations and strengthen USA Wrestling and its programs. USA Wrestling USA Wrestling and in the wrestling world. Signing and will keep fans up to date with monthly cultural understandings through wrestling. has shown an ability to plan and execute at every up for Wrestler for Life allows fans access to prompts, outlining the most recent events and Wrestling can cultivate stronger international ties, level of the organization and its current athletes – iWrestled, a database where users can look up occurrences at USA Wrestling. This program allows which in turn can enhance the future of wrestling both Junior and Senior – are some of the best USA former rivals, teammates, and coaches, while fans to interact directly with USA Wrestling and as an Olympic sport. USAW4P will promote the Wrestling has ever put on the mat. USA Wrestling gaining a glimpse into the experiences of other get a more behind-the-scenes look than they are positive values of the sport, cultural exchanges, strives to generate a high return on USOC grants wrestlers from across the country. USA Wrestling accustomed to. USA Wrestling is incredibly excited public relations and competition. USA Wrestling and outside funding, and USA Wrestling looks expects this feature to help grow a sense of to watch this program take off and grow as it must act with meaning and purpose in the global forward to being part of the best Olympic camaraderie between fellow wrestlers and builds a stronger bond with its fan base. public sphere, as well as engage influential performance ever in Tokyo hopefully bring more wrestlers forward to share decision makers who can enhance relations. their experiences as well. Wrestling diplomacy has emerged as an integral component of strengthening intersocietal WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING relationships. In today’s global village, citizens of USA Wrestling is in the midst of a renaissance, different countries relate to each other experiencing massive success on the Cadet, independently of their governments, either as Junior, and Senior levels in both men’s and individuals or as members of non-governmental women’s wrestling. There are many reasons for organizations and the emerging transnational civil fans to be excited, even if they haven’t followed society. Wrestling transcends borders, political the sport for some time, and the Wrestler for Life ideologies, and religious affiliations. It has a program is a great way to jump back in. universal language through which people can find a medium to express their affinity and USA Wrestling will continue to focus on growing communicate. Wrestlers and their coaches are WRESTLER FOR LIFE its current efforts to get more supporters engaged USA WRESTLING FOR respected around the world regardless of their and expand the digital and physical presence of nationality or religion. The sport of wrestling is one This web-based program is designed to reconnect the Wrestler for Life program. One such example PEACE (USAW4P) of the most diverse sports in the world, with former wrestlers with the sport by engaging them is the launching of the new show Mat Chats, which almost 200 nations participating worldwide and with interactive content. focuses on interviews with various Olympic-level USA Wrestling for Peace (USAW4P) is designed to 179 nations sponsoring a wrestling federation. athletes, coaches, and high-level officials. Mat help build relationship bridges and connect Chats will provide an insider’s perspective on people throughout the world. USAW4P will contribute to building relations WHY WRESTLER FOR LIFE? events at USA Wrestling and the sport as a whole. between people all over the world through Wrestler for Life aims to rally the community Our ambassadors lead the charge in fulfilling the USAW4P mission by promoting wrestling as a wrestling. This effort can also move the sport around a common experience: time spent on the positive force in local, national, and global forward by delivering on the International Olympic mat. WHO WILL BENEFIT communities. They promote the values of the Committee’s goal of increasing participation, The goal is for the entire wrestling community sport by traveling to foreign countries to audience, and sponsorship, including building a (athletes, coaches, alumni, booster donors, fans, participate in cultural exchanges, public relations, WHERE THE PROGRAM HAS COME FROM network of leaders from across public, private, and etc.), past, present, and future to benefit from this and competition in their respective communities. It was established in July 2017, with the hope of One of the most important aspects of this social sectors that see the value of wrestling as program. getting former wrestlers reconnected with the program is our ambassadors assistance with the more than just a sport. All of these are part of the sport. While wrestling imparts values that stick with provision of humanitarian aid. IOC’s evaluation criteria for sports and disciplines. 14 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 15 WHERE THE PROGRAM CAME FROM 2017 World Championships in Paris, France. While January 2016 - USAW4P Program was created. It in Paris, the ambassadors filmed various parts of has steadily grown from its infancy to a more the event, interviewed U.S. and foreign athletes, mature stage. From inception to the end of 2017, and visited the Algerian Quarter. USAW4P has grown to include six international November 2017 - Spearheaded first journey to ambassadors. Algeria. A film crew, led by two of our founding February 2017 - USA Wrestling coordinated several ambassadors, interacted with the Sahrawi Tribe meetings in Washington D.C. and presented the through interviews, personal conversation, and program to a U.S. Congressman, the Department wrestling clinics. The nomadic tribe once known of State (Senior Adviser for Strategic for its wrestling had lost its identity, and USA Communications on Iran), and a former U.S. Wrestling’s intention is to help the tribe restore its Ambassador. The meeting proved successful and legacy. USA Wrestling has three planned trips to sparked talks with the Sports United Division of Algeria over the next 2-3 years. With the Sahrawi the U.S. State Department, who continue to assist as a prototype, the hope is to model this program with our efforts. in other at-risk regions throughout the world.

August 2017 - Two ambassadors traveled to the January 2018 - USAW4P Program administrators

USA Wrestling for Peace Ambassador Dan Russell led a team to Algeria on a visit to the Sahrawi Tribe. Wrestling has had a long USA Wrestling for Peace Ambassador Kiki Kelley shares a heartfelt moment with a woman of the Sahrawi Tribe in Algeria been part of the tribes' heritage, but has been decimated due to violent extremism. This ongoing mission is projected to span the next three years and its focus is to re-establish its lost wrestling identity. 16 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 17 again meet with representatives of the U.S. State USA Wrestling for Peace Ambassadors are global USA Wrestling’s support. Contributions to this fund have only gone directly Department to discuss the possibility of a world agents of change and USA Wrestling provides the to pay the awards referred to each athlete that The fund was created for the purpose of allowing tour. The idea behind the world tour is to pinpoint administrative and logistical support required to achieves his or her spot on a World or Olympic the entire wrestling community to participate in which countries or regions could benefit from a ensure current and future success. Our podium. The fund incorporates and utilizes celebrating and honoring the hard work of USA visit from our ambassadors. USA Wrestling has ambassadors have committed to the 2020 Olympic existing stipends from USA Wrestling and stipends Wrestling champions. While USA Wrestling embraced the idea of a ‘Guest Ambassador’ Quad (2017-2020) so they can help make a as made available by the USOC. understands that no wrestling champion wrestles concept that enables our VIP to travel with our substantial impact on behalf of USA Wrestling for “for the money,” this fund will send a strong ambassadors and be part of the experience. the international community. message to USA Wrestling’s elite athletes that WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING their glory is USA Wrestling’s collective glory and USA Wrestling currently has 13 stewards of the WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING their hard work and dedication is appreciated. LDMF who share responsibility to fund this This program has massive potential at both the program. USA Wrestling’s goal is to grow this national and international levels. USA Wrestling WHERE THE PROGRAM HAS COME FROM group to 20 stewards by the end of 2018 to lessen foresees this being a model for other National the financial burden on USA Wrestling’s current These events are frequently attended by various Governing Bodies as well as international wrestling stewards. World and Olympic Champions, celebrities, federations. USA Wrestling continues to work with politicians, and members of the USA Wrestling the U.S. Department of State and its Sports United Board of Directors and staff. At the events, USA WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE PROGRAM Division. While USA Wrestling has a vision and Wrestling’s LDMF stewards share in the joy of Team USA’s World and Olympic Medalists directly structure for the program, USA Wrestling is presenting USA Wrestling’s deserving athletes a benefit from the program. The fund offers determined to tap into the potential to make a big check. Additionally, these events help raise medalists at the World Championships $50,000 for difference around the globe through the sport of money for both the USWF and USA Wrestling. a gold-medal, $25,000 for a silver, and $15,000 for wrestling. LIVING THE DREAM a bronze. Likewise, the fund offers Olympic To that end, USA Wrestling has several projects The fund has and will continue to be maintained medalists $250,000 for a gold medal, $50,000 for a already planned for the next year and will use the as a restricted and segregated fund by USA MEDAL FUND silver, and $25,000 for a bronze. results of these programs to efficiently and Wrestling. It has and will continue to be overseen strategically expand into the future. The strength by a board that includes representatives of USA of this program will be promoted and supported The Living the Dream Medal Fund (LDMF) was Wrestling, as well as a group of stewards who have FINAL POINT by like-minded corporations (sponsors), created by a group of donors to recognize and helped establish the fund and assist in financially USA Wrestling’s dedicated wrestlers are philanthropists, and private donors. reward USA Wrestling’s World and Olympic underwriting it. considered amateur and do not earn a regular Medalists.. salary. Oftentimes, elite level wrestlers rely on

WHO WILL BENEFIT USA Wrestling’s aim is for all people that come WHY LIVING THE DREAM MEDAL FUND? " There are few things as rewarding as being a part of the team that helps a into contact with USA Wrestling for Peace to be U.S. World and Olympic team members are USA young person realize their dream. When that dream includes winning a World positively affected and show that wrestling can be Wrestling’s ambassadors to the global wrestling or for the USA, that becomes even more satisfying. That is what a conduit to understanding and compassion. community. The long journey from pee wee being a steward for the Living the Dream Medal Fund is all about. There is no wrestler to an Olympic medalist requires a level of check I enjoy signing more than the one that goes to our wrestlers after they determination, sweat, pain, dieting, deprivation, have won a medal while representing the USA." and time on the road, in the gym, and on the mats. FINAL POINT – Andy Barth, LDMF Steward The few that survive that journey and win deserve 18 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 19 2015 “Once I heard that less than 10% of the 2.5 Million volunteer – USA Wrestling launches the Bronze online coaches in America have any formal training and that 70% of our coaching course (ages 13 and up). kids quit competitive sports by age 13, the coach education – The course is recognized by the USOC as manager position at USA Wrestling became my passion and certified with their Complies with National mission. We have kids who want to participate in our sport and Standards (CNS) Program. adults that don’t get support or info on how to give the kids the 2017 best sport experience possible. We want to change that and make sponsors, personal fundraising, and stewards to – The Aspen Institute recognizes USA Wrestling’s sure info is easily available and digestible for our members.” fund their dreams. 5x5 Skills Development Matrix as their Design and – Mike Clayton, Manager, Coaches Education Program Development Award Winner. COACHES EDUCATION – USA Wrestling launches new Copper online coaching course (12 and under). PROGRAM WHERE THE PROGRAM IS GOING Adding micro-courses for specific content USA Wrestling’s National Coaches Education Program (NCEP) researches and provides the most Running in-person and online coach training up-to-date info on coaching tools to ensure Expanding opportunities in coaching for women athletes have the best sport experience possible through wrestling. Expanding overseas opportunities for coaches (all genders and skill levels)

WHY THE COACHES EDUCATION Advanced courses for coaches looking for more PROGRAM? than the standard coach education resources. With nearly 2.5 million volunteer coaches in America and a 70% rate of kids quitting WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE PROGRAM competitive sports, USA Wrestling’s NCEP seeks Coaches – better retention, better information, to find effective ways to provide coaches valuable better skill development information to help them develop their coaching philosophies and practices. The goal is to help Athletes – better sport experience coaches improve recruiting and retention skills to Parents – gain tools to support athletes in a ensure athletes train and compete in safe and positive manner healthy environments where they can learn and grow with the sport for life. FINAL POINT Providing quality education to USA Wrestling members is of paramount importance to achieving WHERE THE PROGRAM CAME FROM the overall growth goals of USA Wrestling. Women’s World Team member Victoria Anthony (48kg) wrestles at the 2017 World Championships in Paris, France. 20 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 21 THE OPPORTUNITY "Be someone that inspires and makes the people around you each and every day. When they ask you where you developed that 4 Year Statement of Need...... $8,221,000 character and where you developed those traits and your morals and your values…you can tell them it started on the wrestling mat." National Teams...... $5,346,000 – Men’s Freestyle Program...... $1,800,000 Brian Stann, Mixed Martial Artist and Marine Women’s Freestyle Program...... $1,100,000 Greco-Roman Program...... $1,946,000 Accelerator and Athlete Education Program...... $500,000

The Accelerator Program development plan also includes an academic solution for its participants. USA Wrestling plans to establish a partnership with School District 49 and the Springs Studio for Academic Excellence in Colorado. This partnership will provide a blended education structure designed to allow these athletes to be full-time students, while providing sufficient flexibility to accommodate training and competition schedules. All courses at the Springs Studio are certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse, which is critical for students who wish to pursue goals of competing in college. USA Wrestling partners with United States Center for SafeSport and fully supports its mission to make ath- lete well-being the centerpiece of our nation's sports culture. All athletes deserve to participate in sports General Fund (Greatest Need)...... $1,000,000 free from bullying, hazing, sexual misconduct or any form of emotional or physical abuse. Education and awareness are the most critical components to creating safe and respectful sporting environments, free Living the Dream Medal Fund...... $1,200,000 of abuse and harassment. The organization’s subject matter experts develop best practices, policies and

The Living the Dream Medal Fund (LDMF) was created by a group of donors to recognize and reward USA programs consistent with guidance from leading organizations. SafeSport is building its repository of best practices and works with National Governing Bodies to champion respect and end abuse in sports. Wrestling’s World and Olympic Medalists.

USA Wrestling for Peace...... $400,000

USA Wrestling for Peace (USAW4P) is designed to help build relationship bridges and connect people throughout the world using wrestling and how it correlates to human struggles. Funds raised will be used to cover operating expenses such as marketing and advertising materials, staff travel, equipment, enhanced website development, and overall program growth.

Coaches Education Program...... $200,000

USA Wrestling’s National Coaches Education Program (NCEP) researches and provides the most up-to-date info on coaching tools to ensure athletes have the best sport experience possible through wrestling.

Wrestler for Life...... $75,000

This web-based program is designed to reconnect former wrestlers with the sport by engaging them with interactive content. Funds raised will be used to cover operating expenses such as marketing and advertising materials, staff travel, equipment, enhanced website development, and overall program growth. Helen Maroulis (58 kg) celebrates her 2017 World Championship with her coach. 22 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 23 WHO IS INVOLVED WHO IS INVOLVED BOARD MEMBERS - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD MEMBERS - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Bruce Baumgartner Jim Ravannack Mike Juby Kerry McCoy President, USA Wrestling Past President Chairman of State Chairpersons Board Member

Greg Strobel Mark Reiland 1st Vice President, Chairman of 2nd Vice President, Representative Jessica Medina Richard Perry Freestyle Sport to Junior Division Athlete - Women's Freestyle Athlete - Men's Freestyle

Van Stokes Louis Rosbottom Secretary; Chairman - Greco- Duane Morgan Chairperson, Kids - Cadets Rick Tucci Roman Sport Treasurer Division U.S. Wrestling Official's Council

Stan Dziedzic Ad-Hoc Board Member

24 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 25 WHO IS INVOLVED WHO IS INVOLVED PARTNERS & SUPPLIERS PARTNERS & SUPPLIERS

Athlete Performance Solutions Battle Skin Tanita United Airlines Partner Partner Partner Partner

United States Marine Corps Caulicure Dollamur (USMC) Vieten Tours Partner Supplier Partner Supplier

Fox 40 Hasty Awards Partner Supplier

Next College Student KT Tape Athlete (NCSA) Partner Partner

Nike Pro Kure Klean Partner Partner

RX Smart gear Suples Ltd. Partner Partner

26 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 27 WHO IS INVOLVED "My passion for the sport of wrestling stems from the intrigue of DIRECTORS problem solving…figuring out puzzles and finding solutions for both technical situations and providing opportunity for emotional growth. The greatest blessings, however are in the nature of Les Gutches wrestling and the characteristics it refines in everyone who Rich Bender Associate Executive Director of participates. Through the hard work, integrity, health and fitness, Executive Director Programs and Strategy overcoming adversities, and building relationships with the athletes, coaches, and administrators with which we interact, we have an amazing opportunity to build our character and for Dwaine Cooper Gary Abbott personal growth that we will carry with us and pass along to Associate Executive Director of Director of Communications and future relationships and generations." Finance and Administration Special Projects – , Men's Freestyle Head Coach & World Champion

Steve Fraser Pete Isais Chief, Alumni and Donor Relations Director of National Events

Ryan Johnson Meredith Wilson Director of Information Director of Corporate Partnerships Technology

Tony Black Director of State Services

Two-time world medalist James Green (70 kg) competes at the 2017 World Championships.

28 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 29 NOTES

Maya Nelson (63 kg) celebrates her 2017 Junior World Championship in Tampere, Finland.

30 | USA Wrestling: Case Statement USA Wrestling: Case Statement | 31 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Helen Maroulis prepares to take on her next opponent at the 2017 World Championships, where she earned her second-consecutive World gold medal.

United States Olympic Committee One Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: (888) 222-2313 E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.themat.com