Kansas Wrestling Forums General Discussion Kids Folkstyle Texas tourney and USA NAtionals

Howdy from Texas, Kansans! We much enjoyed your hospitality in Hays for Southern Plains this year. Looking forward to coming back next year. I thought you'd like to know about a couple of tournaments in Texas this year. Texas will be hosting two national-level events in the coming wrestling year. First, December 28 and 29, the Cotton (Brute) Bowl is back bigger and better than ever (that's the goal). It will be held at the Tarrant County Convention Center in Fort Worth on 40,000' of space. There will be enhanced awards for champions and OWs. And this is a prelude to the USA Folkstyle Nationals, which will be in the same venue March 28 and 29 (I believe this will be the date). Again, this will be in Fort Worth, Texas--travelling to Fort Worth from anywhere in the country is convenient, the weather will be good, and there are plenty of hotel rooms and activities in the metroplex. Make plans to spend an extra day or two for the many activities in this area.

Steelfrog,

I emailed USA wrestling (Mark Scott and Travis Shives)when I heard about the rumor of USA nationals moving to TX, and recieved a reply from both that that was not true. Travis Shives sent me specifics, indicating that USA nationals is still in Cedar Falls, IA on March 28-30.

I personally don't care if it's in Dallas or Cedar Falls, I was mainly questioning the date since is was listed on the Oklahoma forum it would be in Mid March and we are still in our state series. Either way however official word is that it is not in TX. Maybe things will change or your have some inside info, but at this point the officials at USA wrestling are saying IA, not TX.

24/7

Mike:

See:
Texas USA Wrestling - Changes Ahead!
Jun 22 2007, 03:12 PM

"Youth wrestling in the state of Texas has been connected to a few different organizations over the past 30 years. Whether it was AAU, TAWA, or USA, the powers that be have always sought out what is best for our membership. Today, is no different. The TX USA Executive Board, Youth Executive Board, & Freestyle and Greco Board are unanimously recommending that we break our ties to USA Wrestling with all wrestling in the Texas borders and start Texas Youth Wrestling Association, TYWA, for the 2007-08 season. Our relationship with USA Wrestling will still grow and flourish with our elite athletes that will continue to go to National competitions.

TYWA will continue to operate under our current by-laws but offer more benefits for all involved. TYWA will oversee all styles (folkstyle, freestyle, & greco) of wrestling and keep 75% of the money in each region. That will be a significant change from sending our money to Colorado for minimal insurance coverage and a magazine. Our new organization will provide better insurance coverage for not only our wrestlers but for all of the registered coaches.

The Youth Executive Board approached this decision methodically and felt it is in the best interest of all involved. There will be 5 regional meetings before the state meeting on July 21st to explain our position in detail. It is imperative that all clubs attend the state meeting next month to vote on our recommendation. The same scenario will play out for the Freestyle and Greco division prior to their state meeting.

Sincerely,

Louie Martinez"

and,
Texas USA Wrestling - USA Wrestling Steps Up!
Jul 12 2007, 07:23 PM

"I am pleased to announce that Jim Ravannack President of USA Wrestling has made an offer that demonstrates the value that USAW places on TX-USA Wrestling membership. Each year USA Wrestling hosts a State Directors summit in August that covers an array of educational conferences and seminars. This year they have offered to fly all of our regional directors to Colorado to take part in this event as well as to get a chance to meet the USA staff and learn more about the benefits of the organization. USA will start a national tournament in Texas this season {2007-2008} where the proceeds will stay in Texas. We all agree that Texas Wrestling is growing, but growth without knowledge is chaos. With that in mind USA Wrestling has offered National Coaches and Clinicians to come to Texas for coaches education programs, wrestling clinics, and officials seminars. I believe USA Wrestling has stepped up to the plate with this offer. At this point Louie Martinez, Steve Davis, and I agree Texas needs to stay united under one wrestling association, TX-USA Wrestling. Regional Directors are being notified of this offer for their input. More information to follow.

Allan Rodger
State Chairman"

Texas USA Wrestling and USA Wrestling are currently a party to two (2) civil lawsuits due to misconduct by the head Texas USA Wrestling girls team coach on the bus ride back from Fargo in 2005. The team coach pleaded guilty to the charges in December of 2006 and currently is awaiting sentencing.

See:
Wrestling Group Faces Second Suit in Sex Assault Case!

and,
Texas Youth Coach Indicted for Sexually Molesting a Minor!

and,
Texas Youth Coach Pleads Guilty to Sexually Molesting Minors!

There is still a magazine? Maybe Kansas should threaten to leave! That should at least be worth a pinic lunch somewhere between here and Colorado Springs.

Does anyone else find the following statement funny?
"We all agree that Texas Wrestling is growing, but growth without knowledge is chaos."
It is also quite telling!