Hello, Indiana!! 

We are looking forward to another great week of training and competitions this Freestyle and Greco season with a lot of happenings across the state.

First, let's take this time to acknowledge our Indiana wrestlers who performed at the NCAA tournament over the weekend.  Our natives represented well with Mason Parris winning the NCAA title for University of Michigan, and of course Jacob Ramos and Purdue pulling off the upset of the century. There were a host of Indiana wrestlers who participated at this event and we look forward to many more in the future.

Speaking of Mason Parris, an Indiana legend, who was a standout football player and track star that ultimately decided to pursue wrestling - and what a journey it has been!  I remember his first Freestyle match later in his high school career was an exhibition with one of our coaches at a local tournament.  Now, this World Champion and NCAA Champion is only getting started.  Again, he did not participate in these styles when he was good, he got started in these styles to be good!

With that said, there are several things we have coming up this week:

1)  Regional Training Centers - Indiana's RTCs are one of the most effective and efficient ways to get acclimated to the Olympic styles as well as train with high quality competition.  Each site features more quality training, coaches and partners than a typical room and are open to all USAW members in middle school and up.  These RTCs are also designed to help prepare Indiana wrestlers interested in competing on the national level an opportunity to receive fundamental training and synergy for Indiana's National Team.  If you are looking for additional training in these styles, please visit an RTC location close to you.  Times and locations can be found HERE.

This week's agenda for the state will be working on the mechanics of "How to Throw".  Please review this video to help expedite the state's development individually and collectively, as these resources are valuable for our knowledge and success.  Our strategy is helping aid our school and club coaches in particular with expanding their knowledge in order to better help current and future generations of Indiana wrestlers.

2) Individual Tournaments - Although it takes participation in at least 2 tournaments to qualify for ISWA Freestyle and Greco State, we urge you to compete in as many tournaments as possible.  The more you practice performing at events on the weekends, the faster you will grow in wrestling.  This weekend we have several upcoming tournaments around the state, so be sure to get your mat time in!  More information on tournament locations and times can be found HERE.

3) Freestyle Duals - We are urging more schools and programs to participate in Freestyle Duals as another opportunity for competitions.  Sometimes weekend events are difficult around this time, especially as many kids participate in spring and summer sports.  These duals offer a fun and competitive environment that can be held on weekdays.  Just last week was a great triple dual between Franklin, Mooresville and Purdue Polytech RTCs that not only provided mat time for our kids but also counts as one of the qualifiers.  Be sure to talk to your Club, RTC or Academy coaches about getting more duals going, especially with the Freestyle State Duals the weekend after ISWA State.  If you are interested in setting up a dual and need assistance, please contact me at the information below.

With that said, thank you for your time in reading this information and we look forward to an awesome week of growing in the Olympic styles!

Yours in wrestling,

Nick Hull

ISWA Olympic Developmental Director

317.800.5369

coachnhull@gmail.com