USA Wrestling will conduct an open forum on the development of
women's wrestling during the U.S. Women's National Wrestling
Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The forum is scheduled for Friday, April 13, after the morning
session of women's wrestling action, at approximately 11:00 a.m. It
will be held at the MGM Grand Hotel, the site of the competition, in
Studio Room 4.

The forum will be led by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling's Director of
Special Projects. Abbott has been assigned to work on the development
of women's wrestling for USA Wrestling, and has been setting up
opportunities for those interested to help form a national strategy.

Parents, athletes, coaches, fans and wrestling leaders are invited to
give their input about the development of women's wrestling .
Opinions about the best strategy to help fuel the growth of women's
wrestling on all levels will be discussed.

A number of new initiatives will be discussed, including an organized
effort to have women's wrestling named as a NCAA emerging sport.

USA Wrestling has already conducted open forums at two major events
this spring. Four-time World Champion Tricia Saunders of the Sunkist
Kids conducted a forum at the USGWA National High School
Championships in Lake Orion, Mich., March 24. Mike Duore, USA
Wrestling's Head Women's Coach, conducted a forum at the University
Nationals in Evanston, Ill., March 31. Both forums were well attended
and productive.

At least one more open forum is scheduled for this spring, at the USA
Wrestling FILA Junior and FILA Cadet National Championships in
Dayton, Ohio, June 1-3.

All interested in this issue are invited to attend these meetings if
they can. Those who have opinions and input are also encouraged to
visit TheMat.com, and post their thoughts on the Women's bulletin
board.

"USA Wrestling is committed to providing everyone in wrestling a
chance to have input in the formulation of a national strategy for
women's wrestling," said Gary Abbott, Director of Special
Projects. "We encourage all people who can attend one of our open
forums to share their ideas with us."

Women's wrestling is one of the fastest growing segments of the
sport, and has shown growth on many levels. More and more young girls
are competing in America's schools, and are looking for other
opportunities to test their wrestling skills.

The U.S. Women's National Championships will feature the best Senior-
level women wrestlers in the United States, battling for coveted
national titles and All-American honors. This is also the qualifying
event for the 2001 World Team Trials, set for June 22-24 in
Cincinnati, Ohio. Over 100 of the best women freestyle wrestlers in
the nation are expected to participate.


Also check out the discussion on the USGWA.com Message board about
this issue.