OhioTofC

2021 OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS The 29th Ohio Tournament of Champions is scheduled to be held on April 24, 2021, at the Ohio Expositions Center (Ohio State Fairgrounds), in Columbus, OH. While you will be able to register for the Tournament starting on December 1, 2020, (www.ohiotofc.com), the payment option will not appear until we have been given approval, by the Expo Center, that the event can safely be held. Once we receive word that it can, we will notify all those that have registered and let them know that they can log back in to complete the payment process. In an effort to comply with current guidelines, we do have three buildings, all on the North side of the Fairgrounds, (and within 100 yards of each other), that could be utilized, if necessary. Current plans would have us running all the 14 and under groups in Kasich Hall and only the older wrestlers in the Lausche Building, if necessary, with the third building being used only in case of emergency. Below is additional information, as it pertains to the 2021 Ohio TofC: QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES: ***Due to the current COVID situation, we are suspending all qualification standards for the 2021 Ohio Tournament of Champions. Thus, ALL wrestlers are eligible to compete in the event. However, please understand that this is a highly competitive event and not recommended for inexperienced wrestlers.*** CHANGES FOR 2021 EVENT SITE: As mentioned above, the event will return to the Ohio Expo Center in 2021, where it was also held in 2019. This is due to the fact that a larger event was given scheduling priority ahead of us at the Columbus Convention Center. Booking procedures there are based strictly on the amount of room nights an event can generate, as the city receives occupancy tax. This other event was allowed to book three years in advance, while our event is considered a smaller event and we can only book 12-18 months out. Even if we have a hold on dates, we can be bumped up until that time. As was the case in 2019, we will be running the event in multiple sessions and clustering wrestlers on three, or four, adjacent mats.. This should allow most every weight class to be in and out in less than three hours and also help keep the overall crowd size, at any given time, to a minimum. REGISTRATION & CHANGE OF WEIGHT DEADLINE: Initial registration will close on April 19 and extended registration, (subject to a late registration fee), will close on April 22. Free weight changes thru April 22. NO registrations will be taken after this date, or at the door. Now that the event is completely computerized, we have voted to reduce the fee to change weight at the site during weigh ins to $50, with a $25 fee for the Girls and Open Divisions. ENTRY FEE: The entry fee for the 2021 Ohio TofC will be $75 ($55 for Open and Girl’s Division), which is a $5 increase from the past. This increase is due to anticipated additional expenses to conform to proper social distancing, additional medical personnel and event insurance. HOWEVER, additional family entries will remain at $50. This means that the additional expense for any one family would only be $5. *** In addition, once we receive word that the event can be safely held, we will contact all those that have already registered, but not yet paid, and offer them a limited time to be able to pay at the $70 rate. Additionally, the tournament will maintain a FREE ADMISSION policy, (though it may be limited this year with COVID restrictions), as well as no fee for Coaches Passes. CLUB/TEAM COMPETITION & DISCOUNTS: There is NO fee for Coaches to register their Club/Team for the Club/Team competition now. In fact, we encourage all coaches to sign up their club/team now. Just remember, in order for a wrestler to part of your group, they need to practice with your club/team on a regular basis. Coaches: While the site still says there is a $5 fee to register your club/team, it should allow you to register and not charge you. Also, while the site should still give you a club code, as well as the ability to send out team invites, it is not necessary to do so, as all wrestlers must designate their affiliation, when they sign up. This is the information we will go by for figuring our team scores. Clubs/Teams will again be able to compete for team awards. As always, you do not need to designate your point scorers. The top X number of place finishers, from your team, will score points. This year, girls will have their own competition and no Open Division wrestlers will score points Division 1 is mainly for the larger Power Clubs - 16 point scorers Division 2 is mainly for the larger school teams and the smaller power clubs - 12 point scorers Division 3 is mainly for the smaller school team, or local club team - 8 point scorers Division 4 is for the Girls competition As stated above: Coaches or Team Administrators that register as a Team or Club, (there is no fee for doing this), and have at least five participating wrestlers may receive a DISCOUNTED RATE as listed below: 5-14 wrestlers - $5 off per entry 15-24 wrestlers - $10 off per entry 25+ wrestlers - $15 off per entry Note: Team/Club members MUST practice with your Team/Club on a regular basis. Wrestlers may register on their own, but need to indicate which Team/Club they are a part of, when they do so (they can only list one). The final amount, for all Team/Club members must then be paid in one transaction by the Coach, or Team Administrator, via Paypal or check and submitted with a list of wrestlers. Clubs/Teams will be able to substitute for injured wrestlers thru the entry deadline, at no additional charge. However, the change of weight fee, if done at weigh-ins, would still apply. AND that pay for their participants with one payment will continue to receive the $70 rate, as well as one free entry with each paid 10 entries. They will also be able to substitute wrestlers, with no fee, should one of their wrestlers not be able to attend (up until the time entries are shut down). There is also NO fee for individuals to register their Team or Club. Coaches, or Team Administrators will need to contact us directly for the payment procedure. Awards will be presented to the top 3 finishing Club/Teams in each Division. VIDEO CHALLENGES: We do plan to offer Video Challenges for 2021 and are still developing the exact rules for how those might be implemented and what fees there might be to issue a challenge. HONOREES: Our Honorees for 2021 will be: DAVE SCHULTZ: 1984 Olympic Champions, 1982 NCAA Champion, 7X World & Olympic Medalist STANLEY HENSON: 3X NCAA Champion (1937-1939), 1937 NCAA Most Valuable Wrestler, Surgeon and Sports Medicine Pioneer HOTELS: We currently have set up room blocks and a number of hotels. That list can be found here: https://ohiotofc.com/hotels PAST OHIO TOFC PARTICIPANTS HAVE INCLUDED: 2019 NCAA DIVISION I ALL-AMERICANS: 125 Pounds: Spencer Lee-Iowa (Champion), Jack Mueller- Virginia (2nd Place); 133 Pounds: Luke Pletcher-Ohio State (4th Place); 141 Pounds: Yianni Diakomihalis-Cornell (Champion), Joey McKenna-Ohio State (2nd Place), Dom Demas-Oklahoma (4th Place), Nick Lee-Penn State (5th Place); 149 Pounds: Anthony Ashnault-Rutgers (Champion), Austin O'Connor-North Carolina (3rd Place), Matthew Kolodzik-Princeton (5th Place); 157 Pounds: Jason Nolf-Penn State (Champion), Alec Pantaleo-Michigan (3rd Place), Hayden Hidlay-North Carolina State (4th Place); 165 Pounds: Vincenzo Joseph-Penn State (2nd Place), Chance Marsteller-Lock Haven (3rd Place), Alex Marinelli-Iowa (7th Place); 174 Pounds: Zahid Valencia-Arizona State (Champion), Mark Hall II-Penn State (2nd Place), Myles Amine-Michigan (3rd Place); 184 Pounds: Myles Martin-Ohio State (3rd Place), Chip Ness-North Carolina (6th Place); HWT: Gable Steveson-Minnesota (3rd Place) Others have included: 4X NCAA Champion Logan Stieber (Ohio State), 2X NCAA Champion David Taylor (Penn State), 4X NCAA Champion Kyle Dake (Cornell), 3X NCAA Champion Kyle Snyder (Ohio State), NCAA Runner Up Lance Palmer (Ohio State), NCAA Champion Dustin Schlatter (Minnesota), 2X NCAA Champion Dean Heil (Oklahoma State), NCAA Runner Up Zeke Moisey (West Virginia), 2X NCAA Champion J. Jaggers (Ohio State), NCAA All American Joey Ward (North Carolina), NCAA All American Hunter Stieber (Ohio State), NCAA Champion Troy Nickerson (Cornell), NCAA Runner Up Anthony Collica (Oklahoma State), NCAA Champion Darrion Caldwell (North Carolina State), NCAA Champion Coleman Scott (Oklahoma State), NCAA Runner Up Eric Tannenbaum (Michigan), NCAA Runner Up Josh Kindig (Oklahoma State) and NCAA Champion Jon Reader (Iowa State), who holds the TofC record with 10 titles. The Ohio Tournament of Champions is also the event where David Taylor and Kyle Dake first met. A complete list of Multiple Ohio Tournament of Champions Champions can be found here: https://ohiotofc.com/page/29-multiple-champions On behalf of everyone associated with the Ohio Tournament of Champions, we wish all wrestlers a safe 2020-2021 season and hope that wrestling returns to some sort of normalcy in the very near future. ###

OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS - NOW IN OUR 24TH YEAR “America’s Only National Modified Wrestling Championships” “The Largest One Day Wrestling Tournament In The World” NOW: America’s Largest National Individual & Team & Club Championships MAJOR CHANGES PLANNED FOR 2016 For the most part, things will remain the same for 2016. The MAJOR changes will come in regards to the qualification and our adding more of an emphasis on the Team Competition. EVENT DATE: The 2016 OHIO TOFC will be held on April 23. BRIEF SYNSOPSIS OF PROPOSED CHANGES Over the years, we have been very fortunate to have had some great events to partner up with as Qualifying Events. However, it is always an issue each year, to get the updated information on each event and get them their Qualifying Cards on time. Many event directors also change and we often do not get notice of the new contact info and continuously have to check various website to find this information. Also, the entire landscape of Wrestling has change since we started the TofC, back in 1993. At that time, we were one of three major events (Tulsa, AAU Folkstyle Nationals and Ohio TofC). Now there are at least 50 so-called National events out there - many of which are nothing more than a large local event. Add to this all the Dual Meet Events and you see how things have drastically changed. With that in mind, we sought to come up with an idea that would be unique amongst all the other National events and think we have stumbled on such an idea, beginning with our 2016 event. Here are the basic guidelines as to what we are currently working on: ***TofC will continue to be a one day event. We will also continue the staggering of the weight classes during the day. ***TofC will remain an individual event. However, there will be a greater emphasis placed on the Team Competition aspect (see below for more details). While entering as a team may allow some wrestlers to bypass other means of qualification, those entering as individuals will still need to meet some level of qualification. For this reason, the various qualifying events and exemptions will continue, though qualifying forms may not be passed out. ***Along with the major team awards we are working on, individual awards will still be given out to the top 8 (top 6 in the Open Division) place finishers in each weight class. ***We are working with Flo Wrestling on going paperless for 2016. However, in order to do this, a special program will need to be developed, for the way we run our Tournament. ***We will still provide for mats for those wrestlers who go two and out, so that they can receive some additional matches, if they so choose. TEAM COMPETITION The main aspect moving ahead is the emphasis on the Team Competition and here is the basics of what we are working to develop. There will be four levels of teams: 1. Small School Team - all participants must be from that school district 2. Large School Team - all participants must be from that school district 3. Small Club Team - all participants must all be an active member of that particular club, or from a localized area 4. Large Club Team - all participants must be an active member of that particular club, or from a designated area. This Division would include State Teams from those states who are deemed to be of sufficient distance, in order to warrant their inclusion in this category. Unlike a Dual Meet Event, where you have a limited number of weight classes you have to fill, coaches now have 90 various age/weight classes to select their point getters from and can even choose multiple point getters in the same weight class, if need be. Basically, each different level of Club/Team will be allocated X number of spots for point getters. They can enter additional wrestlers, but the Coach would have to designate their point getters. Small School Team-up to 8 point getters Large School Team- up to 15 point getters Small Club Team- up to 22 point getters Large Club Team- up to 30 point getters Points would be earned based on each wrestler's individual place finish (1st thru 8th place). The Open Division (post high school wrestlers) would continue to be a separate competition and thus the Open Division Wrestlers could not be used as point getters. We would inform each Team entering the level they would be at, based upon their size and where they draw their kids from. Coaches would set up an account and be given a club code. They can then either enter all their wrestlers themselves, or allow the indiividuals to enter on their one. Entering their club code would then attach them to a specific roster. The Coach could then go in, at any time, to monitor the status of his team roster and designate his point getters. The entry fee would remain the same as it has for the past several yeas ($70, which includes event insurance, for the first wrestler and $50 for each sibling.) Coaches that enter their own rosters (meaning that that the individuals don't sign up on their own) would also receive one free entry, for each 10 they pay for. They would also be allowed to change entries, at no additional charge, up until the time we shut off registration. At the end of the Tournament, Team Awards would be given in each Division to at least the top 3 (possibly 4) teams in each Division. The Team Awards were are working on will be dependent upon the Division the team is entered in, as some awards fit better with certain Divisions. The top placing team, in each Division would then have their pick of the awards allocated to their class designation. The awards we are currently working on would be MAJOR awards and include: Brand new 40x40 wrestling mat (school division only) Custom Singlets or Fight Shorts for the Team (equal to the number of point getters) Custom sweat shirts (equal to the number of point getters) Free wrestling clinic (we would fly a special guest clinician in for the team/club). Clinicians would include NCAA champions/placers, Olympic wrestlers, etc... Free Flo Pro for a year (to all team point getters) Brand new scoreboard or digital scale Defense Soap for the team for a season Free throw dummy Free Technique videos Possible free gift for all the Head Coaches entering a team. You can see where we are going with this idea and believe this would encourage coaches/teams to enter more individuals and try to get their best quality wrestlers as point getters. So far, we have talked to number of coaches about this idea so far and all seem extremely interested in entering their squad and we do expect to fill all of the team spots we have available. Judging by this initial interest, we are setting some initial limits on teams that will be accepted into each Division, along with what the initial deposit will be, for them to hold their spot. This deposit would be applied to their final team cost (or refunded if they have the individual team members pay separately), but would be forfeited if they choose to later drop out. Small School Team - 60 Teams - $100 deposit- 480 wrestlers Large School Team - 50 Teams - $150 deposit - 750-800 wrestlers Small Club Team - 35 Club Teams - $200 deposit - 770-840 wrestlers Large Club Team - 30 Club Teams - $250 deposit - 900-990 wrestlers Individual Spots (for those not affiliated with a team) - 500 wrestlers *Teams that wish to bring more than their limit may do so, but additional entry fee charges would apply. Registration for the 2016 Ohio TofC is scheduled to open on December 1, but teams may begin requesting a spot starting June 1, 2015. Deposits, to secure their spot, would not need to be sent until December 1, 2015. For additional information, contact Tournament Chairman Bart Freidenberg at bdbop@aol.com or 614-507-1653.

2015 OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS INFO For additional information, contact: Bart Freidenberg at bdbop@aol.com February 9, 2015 Recently named one of the Top 4 youth wrestling tournaments to win in the United States, this year's Ohio Tournament of Champions will be held on April 18, at the Columbus Convention Center, in downtown Columbus, OH. Now entering it's 23rd year, the Ohio TofC consistently draws between 2500-3000 wrestlers per year and boasts a number of outstanding former participants. From current megastars like Kyle Dake (1X Champion), Logan Stieber (6X Champion), David Taylor (2X Champion and Jason Tsirtsis (1X Champion) to the new young bloods like Cade Olivas (7X Champion), Luke Pletcher (9X Champion), Mark Hall (6X Champion) and Kaleb Romero (5X Champion). The record for most titles is ten owned by 2011 NCAA titlist Jon Reader, who called the Ohio TofC his "favorite event to compete at." To see if you qualify for this year's event, you can go to the Official Tournament Website (www.ohiotofc.com) and click on Qualifying Events. Ways to qualify are numerous and include placing at any national or state level event, any high school wrestler, placing top three at any TofC qualifying event, placing first at any event or garnering 10 or more wins during the current wrestling season. For additional tournament information, such as ages/weights, time schedule, hotel info, click on Tournament Information, on the main page. In 2009, the Tournament added an Open Division, for wrestlers that have graduated high school. This Open Division requires no pre-qualification and has grown steadily, reaching close to 125 competitors last year. The Ohio TofC is the largest one day amateur wrestling tournament in the country and In order to finish the event in one day uses a unique modified folkstyle scoring system. All matches are one three minute period in length and there is no referees position used. Should there be a lack of mat activity, or should the wrestlers go out of bounds, they will restart in the neutral position. In addition, they use a 10 point tech fall and the overtime is unlimited. "We've had matches go about 10-15 minutes of overtime, before someone has scored," Freidenberg said, adding that it does help if a wrestler is good on their feet. "For the most part, we are a cross between freestyle and folkstyle rules. The matches are pretty much run like freestyle, but the scoring is high school rules." As in the past, the TofC continues to offer group discounts, for teams of eight or more, when registering together and also continues their FREE Spectator Admission policy and not requiring any Coaches Passes, to coach matside. Also, after a one year relocation to another part of the facility, which saw wrestling taking place both upstairs and downstairs, this year's event returns to their normal location, "We had no control over last year," Freidenberg said. "We either had to do our best with what the Convention Center had available, or move the entire tournament to another location." For Ohio and Pennsylvania wrestlers, the Ohio TofC is partnering with Defense Soap (www.defensesoap.com) to recognize those wrestlers that place at both the Ohio Tournament of Champions and also at the OAC/PJW or OHSAA/PIAA. "We're still working on exactly how to recognize these individuals," Freidenberg said, "but it will be based on how they do at both events - Champion, top 3, top 8 or even State Qualifier and top 8 at TofC. Hopefully we can expand this to other states in the future." As for being named one of the country's premier events, Freidenberg said, "We're proud to be named one of the Elite wrestling events in the country. To be put in a category with other outstanding tournaments like the Tulsa Nationals, USA Folkstyle Nationals and Super 32 is a tremendous honor and is a direct correlation to our great staff of officials and other tournament personnel."

This is a final reminder that registration for this year's Ohio TofC is scheduled to shut off at 10:00 PM (EST) on Sunday, April 15. Registration may be extended a day or two longer, but it would be at a higher rate. We anticipate having anywhere from 2500-2700 total entries this year (currently we are near 2400). Currently, we have more than 30 states represented. TofC ohiotofc.com

OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS - APRIL 21, 2012 - COLUMBUS, OH Dear Coaches, Parents & Wrestlers, First off, here is a link to a recent article on our event: http://www.youth1.com/wrestling-headlines/ohio-tournament-of-champions-breeding-ground-for-future-success.html Secondly, this is just a reminder that the deadline for registering for this year's Ohio Tournament of Champions is fast approaching. The deadline is: Sunday, April 15, at 10:00 pm (EST). This means that you must register AND pay by this time. After that, IF any registrations are allowed, they will be at a higher fee. The deadline was set on Sunday evening, so that we can finalize officials, number of mats and scoreboards needed, mat assignments, and other information. The free weight change deadline is also Sunday, April 15, 2012, at 10:00 pm (EST). Those wishing to change weight after that time will be assessed an additional fee. After Wednesday, April 18, no more weight changes would be taken. Any changes done at the site are subject to a $100 fee. Currently, we have close to 1500 wrestlers, representing 30 states. Based on the number of entries we have received during the final week of registration the past three years, we are anticipating anywhere form 2500-3000 total entrants. To register, please go to: ohiotofc.com and click on registration to start the process. Once you enter all of your information and select the weight class, you will be able to "View Invoice & Pay" and can click on the Paypal link up top.

OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS - APRIL 21, 2012 - COLUMBUS, OH Dear Coaches, Parents & Wrestlers, First off, here is a link to a recent article on our event: http://www.youth1.com/wrestling-headlines/ohio-tournament-of-champions-breeding-ground-for-future-success.html Secondly, this is just a reminder that the deadline for registering for this year's Ohio Tournament of Champions is fast approaching. The deadline is: Sunday, April 15, at 10:00 pm (EST). This means that you must register AND pay by this time. After that, IF any registrations are allowed, they will be at a higher fee. The deadline was set on Sunday evening, so that we can finalize officials, number of mats and scoreboards needed, mat assignments, and other information. The free weight change deadline is also Sunday, April 15, 2012, at 10:00 pm (EST). Those wishing to change weight after that time will be assessed an additional fee. After Wednesday, April 18, no more weight changes would be taken. Any changes done at the site are subject to a $100 fee. Currently, we have close to 1500 wrestlers, representing 30 states. Based on the number of entries we have received during the final week of registration the past three years, we are anticipating anywhere form 2500-3000 total entrants. To register, please go to: ohiotofc.com and click on registration to start the process. Once you enter all of your information and select the weight class, you will be able to "View Invoice & Pay" and can click on the Paypal link up top.

BE A PART OF WRESTLING HISTORY For More Information Contact: Bart Freidenberg at bart@ohiotofc.com or 614-833-5885 OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS AIMS FOR WORLD RECORD ***8 NCAA CHAMPIONS ARE TOFC ALUMS*** March 20, 2012...Columbus, OH......YOU can be a part of wrestling history, as The Ohio Tournament of Champions aims to set a new World Record, with 4000 individual entries. This year's event, scheduled for April 21 at the Columbus Convention Center, in Columbus, OH, will mark the TofC's 20th Anniversary. Already, entries from 22 states, and as far away as California, have been received and submissions have been entered from several others (registered but not paid yet). According to Event Chairman Bart Freidenberg, the entries are coming in better than the past few years. "There are so many national level events that kids can do these days, that people now tend to wait to the last minute to enter any of them," Freidenberg said. "Still, we are ahead of where we have been the past several years. Plus, we already have at least 100 more wrestlers that are part of large groups that won't show up as accepted until the group administrator pays for the entire team." "I'm starting to hear from several more groups that are planning on coming and just wanted to know how to do the group registration process," said Freidenberg, adding that recent groups contacting him have come from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Hawaii.He also added that submissions (those who have entered individually, and have not yet paid) are also way ahead of past years as well, and include wrestlers from at least 10 additional states not already represented. The TofC has always been known for the quality of the wrestlers competing and that was proved at this weekend's NCAA Division I National Championships, as eight of the champions, and four of the runner ups, were past TofC competitors. 125 pounds: Nico Megaludis, 2nd place 133 pounds: Logan Stieber (6X TofC Champ), CHAMPION; Jordan Oliver, 2nd Place 141 pounds: Kellen Russell, CHAMPION 149 pounds: Frank Molinaro, CHAMPION 157 pounds: Kyle Dake, CHAMPION 165 pounds: David Taylor (2X Ohio TofC Champ), CHAMPION 174 pounds: Ed Ruth, CHAMPION 184 pounds: Steve Bosak, CHAMPION; Quentin Wright, 2nd Place 197 pounds: Cam Simaz, CHAMPION 285 pounds: Zachery Rey, Runner Up "Right after Kyle Dake won the NCAA's this year, I messaged his dad and told him that we would love to have Kyle as guest at our 2013 event (college wrestlers cannot appear until after they have used up their collegiate eligibility)," Freidenberg said. "He messaged back and said that he would let Kyle know, but also said that he had recently been looking at some of our past programs and that they were like a "who's who of college wrestling." ***Dake wrestled at the Ohio TofC several years. According to past results, he placed four times, with his lone Championship coming in 2005, at Schoolboy 92. In other years, he placed 4th in 2002, at Junior 73 (Collin Palmer, from Ohio took first and future NCAA Champion Jordan Oliver took second); 4th in 2003 at Junior 80 (Trey Adamson, of NM took first); and 6th in 2004, at Schoolboy 84 (NCAA Champion David Taylor took first). To register for this year's Ohio TofC, you can go to ohiotofc.com and click on registration. Among the various ways to qualify are: *All past TofC Champions *TofC top 8 (past two years) *All High School Wrestlers *All Cadet Wrestlers (those born in 1997 or earlier) *All Open (Post High School) or Girl's High School Division ---Open Division Entries and Submissions are currently way up based on past events *Any wrestler with 10+ match wins this season (includes open tournaments) *Top 6 at any National Level event (past 2 years) *Top 4 at any state or regional event (past 2 years) *Top 3 at any League Championship (past 2 years) *Champion at ANY Tournament (other than those specifically for beginners) this season *Top 3/4 at any Official Ohio TofC Qualifier *Any wrestler that has qualified for their State Youth Tournament that has a qualification process *Wrestlers who resides in a state with no qualifiers, or that lives more than 50 miles from the nearest qualifying event. Groups entering 8 or more wrestlers are also eligible for a Group/Team Discount this year. However, one individual needs to enter all of the wrestlers in, under one user name/password, and pay for them with one transaction. For more information on group rates, go to: http://ohiotofc.com/TournamentInform...eamInformation All entries are due by April 14, at 9 pm (EST), unless the event reaches its maximum number of competitors prior to that.

BE A PART OF WRESTLING HISTORY For More Information Contact: Bart Freidenberg at bart@ohiotofc.com or 614-833-5885 OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS AIMS FOR WORLD RECORD ***8 NCAA CHAMPIONS ARE TOFC ALUMS*** March 20, 2012...Columbus, OH......YOU can be a part of wrestling history, as The Ohio Tournament of Champions aims to set a new World Record, with 4000 individual entries. This year's event, scheduled for April 21 at the Columbus Convention Center, in Columbus, OH, will mark the TofC's 20th Anniversary. Already, entries from 22 states, and as far away as California, have been received and submissions have been entered from several others (registered but not paid yet). According to Event Chairman Bart Freidenberg, the entries are coming in better than the past few years. "There are so many national level events that kids can do these days, that people now tend to wait to the last minute to enter any of them," Freidenberg said. "Still, we are ahead of where we have been the past several years. Plus, we already have at least 100 more wrestlers that are part of large groups that won't show up as accepted until the group administrator pays for the entire team." "I'm starting to hear from several more groups that are planning on coming and just wanted to know how to do the group registration process," said Freidenberg, adding that recent groups contacting him have come from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Hawaii.He also added that submissions (those who have entered individually, and have not yet paid) are also way ahead of past years as well, and include wrestlers from at least 10 additional states not already represented. The TofC has always been known for the quality of the wrestlers competing and that was proved at this weekend's NCAA Division I National Championships, as eight of the champions, and four of the runner ups, were past TofC competitors. 125 pounds: Nico Megaludis, 2nd place 133 pounds: Logan Stieber (6X TofC Champ), CHAMPION; Jordan Oliver, 2nd Place 141 pounds: Kellen Russell, CHAMPION 149 pounds: Frank Molinaro, CHAMPION 157 pounds: Kyle Dake, CHAMPION 165 pounds: David Taylor (2X Ohio TofC Champ), CHAMPION 174 pounds: Ed Ruth, CHAMPION 184 pounds: Steve Bosak, CHAMPION; Quentin Wright, 2nd Place 197 pounds: Cam Simaz, CHAMPION 285 pounds: Zachery Rey, Runner Up "Right after Kyle Dake won the NCAA's this year, I messaged his dad and told him that we would love to have Kyle as guest at our 2013 event (college wrestlers cannot appear until after they have used up their collegiate eligibility)," Freidenberg said. "He messaged back and said that he would let Kyle know, but also said that he had recently been looking at some of our past programs and that they were like a "who's who of college wrestling." ***Dake wrestled at the Ohio TofC several years. According to past results, he placed four times, with his lone Championship coming in 2005, at Schoolboy 92. In other years, he placed 4th in 2002, at Junior 73 (Collin Palmer, from Ohio took first and future NCAA Champion Jordan Oliver took second); 4th in 2003 at Junior 80 (Trey Adamson, of NM took first); and 6th in 2004, at Schoolboy 84 (NCAA Champion David Taylor took first). To register for this year's Ohio TofC, you can go to ohiotofc.com and click on registration. Among the various ways to qualify are: *All past TofC Champions *TofC top 8 (past two years) *All High School Wrestlers *All Cadet Wrestlers (those born in 1997 or earlier) *All Open (Post High School) or Girl's High School Division ---Open Division Entries and Submissions are currently way up based on past events *Any wrestler with 10+ match wins this season (includes open tournaments) *Top 6 at any National Level event (past 2 years) *Top 4 at any state or regional event (past 2 years) *Top 3 at any League Championship (past 2 years) *Champion at ANY Tournament (other than those specifically for beginners) this season *Top 3/4 at any Official Ohio TofC Qualifier *Any wrestler that has qualified for their State Youth Tournament that has a qualification process *Wrestlers who resides in a state with no qualifiers, or that lives more than 50 miles from the nearest qualifying event. Groups entering 8 or more wrestlers are also eligible for a Group/Team Discount this year. However, one individual needs to enter all of the wrestlers in, under one user name/password, and pay for them with one transaction. For more information on group rates, go to: http://ohiotofc.com/TournamentInform...eamInformation All entries are due by April 14, at 9 pm (EST), unless the event reaches its maximum number of competitors prior to that.

OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS - APRIL 21, 2012 For More Information, Contact Bart Freidenberg at bart@ohiotofc.com or 614-833-5885 February 20, 2012.....Columbus, OH The Ohio Tournament of Champions, scheduled for April 21, at the Columbus Convention Center, in Columbus, OH, has been called one of the top youth wrestling tournaments in the country. Many feel it is toughest, even more so than Tulsa and Reno. This year, the tournament is out to set a new World Record, with 4000 entries. According to Tournament Chairman Bart Freidenberg there is a good possibility of reaching that mark. "Right now, we are more than double the entries we were at this time last year," Freidenberg said, "so it's just a matter if we can keep that pace. I know our submissions (those who have entered info into the system, but have not yet paid) are also way ahead." Freidenberg added that several clubs and teams have already set up club accounts, in order to get a group (8 or more) discount. He said that since they have to pay at one time, those entries would not show up as accepted until the entire group pays. "Right now, we have at least another 50 or so wrestlers in this situation that would probably be on the accepted list by now. So far, we are very pleased how the registration is going." The Ohio TofC event, now in its 20th year, has long been recognized for it's quality of competition. Looking over the list of former champions and place winners is staggering, with names like: Jon Reader (MI), Jordan Oliver (PA), Kyle Dake (NY), Logan Stieber (OH), David Taylor (OH), Dustin Schlatter (MN), Frank Molinaro (NJ), Eric Tannenbaum (IL), Steve Luke (OH), Lance Palmer (OH), Darrion Caldwell (NJ), Quentin Wright (PA), Andrew Howe (IN), Kellen Russell (NJ), Dustin Kilgore (OH), Zach Rey (PA), Hudson Taylor (MD), Hunter Stieber (OH), J. Jaggers (OH), Kyle Ott (OH), Zach Kemmerer (PA), Nathan Galloway (PA), Matt Hamill (OH), Josh Kindig (PA), Roger Kish (MI), Cam Tessari (OH), Todd Preston (NJ), Coleman Scott (PA), Dylan Alton (PA), Andrew Alton (PA), Felipe Martinez (OH), Mark Grey (NJ), Kenny Courts (PA), Mike Benefiel (IL), Mike Rowe (MD), Alex Meade (DE), Michael Poeta (IL), Johnni DiJulius (OH), Ty Mitch (OH), Scott Giffin (NJ), Matt Kyler (PA), C.P. Schlatter (OH), Kevin Hardy (OH), Trevor Chinn (NY), Ryan Needle (NY), Hunter Meys (NY) and so many more. "Last year, seven of the ten NCAA Division I champions were former TofC participants," said Freidenberg, "including Jon Reader, who won our event a record 10 times. Jon told me that our event was definitely his favorite to compete in each year. Each year we will draw from about 30 states, so you never quite know who will be competing, but you always know it will be tough. "I have had lots of parents tell me that their child has won Tulsa, Reno, Liberty, War at the Shore, or other top-notch events, but that they have never been able to win the Tournament of Champions. I think that speaks to the quality of wrestlers that we get competing. Naturally, we draw the bulk of our wrestlers from Ohio and Pennsylvania, which are generally considered two of the top wrestling states in the country, if not the top. Add to that solid contingents from New Jersey, Michigan and New York and you have a great foundation for a tough event. "Overall, we will draw from about 30 states each year and our event is basically a blind draw, so you have to be ready each and every match," he said. "You never know what you're going to get when you have a kid coming from a distant state, but you do know they are probably going to be pretty tough, or they wouldn't have made the trip." As for reaching the 4000 wrestlers mark, Freidenberg said It will be a challenge, but not out of the realm of possibility. "We have drawn as many as 3500 wrestlers before (2005), so we know we can handle that amount and still get things done in one day. The main problem is that there are just so many events out there that call themselves a National Tournament, when they are only drawing 500-1000 wrestlers. They have sort of "diluted" the honor of being called a National Champion. In actuality," he said, "there are probably only a few events that have earned that reputation and I believe that we are definitely one of them." While there are many ways to qualify for the Ohio TofC, some major ones include: 10+ wins this season - on any level, any high school wrestler, winning a tournament this season, top 3 at any league or youth state event, top 6 at any National level event, top 3 at any TofC qualifier, no TofC qualifier within 50 miles of one's residence, any OAC, OURWAY, Ohio Youth, MYWAY, MSWA, MDWAY, NJ USA Kid's State, NY USA Kid's State, IKWF state qualifier. If you qualify, you can go to the event website at www.ohiotofc.com to register and pay. "We are really expecting a great event this year and are trying our best to get wrestlers from as many states as possible to attend," Freidenberg said. "I have already seen submissions from at least 20 different states, including several from as far away as California. So, things look like we are definitely on the right track. Hopefully our entries continue as they have been going as well. If so, 4000 wrestlers is definitely within reach."

OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (WWW.OHIOTOFC.COM) APRIL 21, 2012 COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER - COLUMBUS, OH HELP US SET A WORLD RECORD, WITH 4000 ENTRIES ---For additional information, contact Tournament Director Bart Freidenberg at bart@ohiotofc.com or 614-833-5885--- January 17, 2012...Columbus, OH........... Attention Wrestlers, Parents & Coaches, You have the opportunity to be a part of what will hopefully be the largest wrestling event to ever take place in the world. The 2012 Ohio Tournament of Champions, to be held April 21, at the Columbus Convention Center, in Columbus, OH, has set a goal of setting a New World Record, with 4000 entries. The current mark, of 3500 wrestlers, was set at the event in 2005. Long recognized as one of the toughest youth wrestling tournaments in the country, seven of last year’s NCAA Champions were former TofC participants. In anticipation of reaching 4000 entries, the Tournament has revised a large number of things from the past few years. However, the TofC will continue to offer FREE Spectator Admission and not require any Coaches Cards to coach matside. Besides concentrating solely on the Individual Tournament, the return of the matside scoreboards, and moving the start time up to 8:00 a.m., here are some of the other major changes for this year: 1. Ages & Weights 2. Club & Team Discounts 3. Club & Team Competition 4. State Competition 5. Girl’s Division (& Open Division) 6. Awards to top 8 7. Easier to change weights and print your weigh in card 8. Additional ways to Qualify 9. Additional mats for wrestlers that lose their first two matches 10. More Hotel Blocks 11. Special Guests --------------------------------- 1. AGES & WEIGHTS We have basically reverted back to the ages and weights that we used to use, which included smaller gaps between some of the lower weights. The ages/weights being used for 2012 can be viewed here: http://ohiotofc.com/TournamentInformation/AgeWeights 2. CLUB & TEAM DISCOUNTS Club & Team discounts will be offered to groups that enter more than 8 individuals in the tournament. One individual will need to enter all the club/team members under one user name/password. They will be able to monitor the status of each individual, make weight changes and print the weigh in cards as well. Just make sure to set up your account and, when asked, select Club/Team Entry. Individuals registering on their own, even if they are with a club or team, should select Individual or Family Entry). The club/team discounts are as follows: 8 or fewer wrestlers: no discount 9-15 wrestlers: $5 discount per wrestler 16-25 wrestlers: $10 discount per wrestler 26-35 wrestlers: $15 discount per wrestler 36+ wrestlers: $20 discount per wrestler Please note that no discount is given to an additional family member, (as their entry fee is already at $40), but they will count toward the overall number of club/team members. Also, the same applies to the Girls and Open Divisions, as their entry fee is already at $40 as well. The club/team awards can be viewed here: http://ohiotofc.com/TournamentInformation/Highlights 3. CLUB & TEAM COMPETITION We will be having Team/Club Competition this year, with the awards being based on wrestler's place finish. There will be three Divisions (super club, area club and local club) and we will award the top 3 teams, in each Age Group and Division, and also the top 6 overall teams in each Division. To enter your team or club, you will need to fill out a team form, which can be found here: http://ohiotofc.com/TournamentInformation/ClubTeamInformation There is no minimum or maximum number of kids that may be on your roster. However, any individual may only be on one Team and one club Roster. 4. STATE COMPETITION We also introduce State Competition to the TofC and hope this will be an exciting aspect of the event. All wrestlers, from any given state, may score points for their state, as points will be given based on a wrestler's place finish (Girls and Open Division placers do not apply here). We have done our best to pair states up against states, based on past entries, of current number and strength. There will be competition for each Age Group, as well as an overall winner. These results will be posted on our website and in future programs. The state pairings are as follows: * Ohio vs. Pennsylvania * Michigan vs. New York * Illinois vs. New Jersey * Maryland vs. Virginia * Indiana vs. West Virginia * North Carolina vs. South Carolina vs. Tennessee * Connecticut vs. Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire * Maine vs. Rhode Island vs. Vermont * Nebraska vs. North Dakota vs. South Dakota * Colorado vs. Georgia vs. Missouri * Iowa vs. Oklahoma vs. Texas * Idaho vs. Montana vs. Utah vs. Wyoming * Alabama vs. Delaware vs. Florida vs. Kentucky * California vs. Kansas vs. Minnesota vs. Wisconsin * Arizona vs. Nevada vs. New Mexico vs. Oregon vs. Washington * Alaska vs. Arkansas vs. Hawaii vs. Louisiana vs. Mississippi In addition, there will be one final competition, with that being: Ohio/Pennsylvania vs. USA 5. GIRL’S DIVISION (& OPEN DIVISION) We have added a Girl's Division for 2012. Participants need to be in at least the 7th grade to wrestle in this Division. There is no pre-qualification necessary in this, or the Open Division (post high school wrestlers). Registration for both of these groups is $40 per wrestler. 6. AWARDS TO TOP 8 PLACE FINISHERS This year we will be wrestling thru and awarding the top 8 place finishers. Awards will be given to the top 6 in both the Open Division and our new Girl's Division. The 2012 awards can be seen here: http://ohiotofc.com/TournamentInformation/Highlights - The Champion will still receive a custom designed wrist watch. 7. EASIER TO CHANGE WEIGHTS & PRINT YOUR WEIGH-IN CARD Rather than requesting a weight change, as you had to do in the past, you now have the ability to log into your account and make the change yourself. Once entries are posted as accepted, you will also be able to print off your weigh in card. However, if you change weight, you will need to print a new weigh in card. 8. ADDITIONAL WAYS TO QUALIFY We also have added more ways to qualify for the TofC, including: * All Cadet & Elite wrestlers are now exempt * All of the following Youth State Qualifiers (past two years) are now exempt: Ohio-OAC, OURWAY, Ohio Youth League; Pennsylvania-PJW; Michigan-MYWAY; New York-New York Kid's State; New Jersey-New Jersey Kid's State; Maryland-MSWA & MDWAY; Indiana-ISWA; Illinois-IKWF * Any wrestler from a state that does not have a qualifying event, or a qualifying event within 50 miles of their home location. * Top 3 at any other State or League Tournament (past 2 years) *Any wrestler that wins 10 or more matches, during the current season, is now qualified *Open (post high school) and Girl's Divisions require no pre-qualification *A complete list of ways to qualify can be seen here: http://ohiotofc.com/QaulifyingTournaments/Index 9. ADDITIONAL MATS FOR WRESTLERS THAT LOSE THEIR FIRST TWO MATCHES Depending on our final numbers, we will be utilizing up to 40 full size mats - all under one roof. For those wrestlers that lose their first two matches, we will be allocating up to 4 mats, so that they can receive an additional match. 10. MORE HOTEL BLOCKS We have tried to get additional hotel blocks reserved for attendees. Many of the hotels list a link that will take you right to to a site where you can reserve your rooms. Here is the hotel page link: http://ohiotofc.com/TournamentInformation/Hotels 11. SPECIAL GUESTS Already, we have four special guests scheduled to appear and sign free autographs for the attendees, and they are: * Dylan Riley Snyder, who portrays Milton, on Disney's "Kickin It" * Jake Short, who portrays Fletcher Quimby on Disney's "A.N.T. Farm" * Tommy Batchelor, who was one of Broadway's Billy Elliots * Nathan Gamble, who portrayed Sawyer, in the movie "Dolphin Tale" *Photos of our guests can be seen here: http://ohiotofc.com/TournamentInformation/SpecialGuests *We are still working on additional guests to appear.

OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS - APRIL 21, 2012 COLUMBUS CONVENTIONS CENTER - COLUMBUS, OH ***For Additional Information: bdbop@aol.com ~ 614-833-5885*** "Help us set a World Record, with 4000 entries" Age Divisions & Tournament Schedule Announced ***New for 2012: Girl's Division*** November 7, 2011.....Columbus, OH The Ohio Tournament of Champions has announced the Age Groups, Weight Classes and Event Schedule that it will be using for next year's event, to be held April 21, at the Columbus Convention Center. While the age divisions are the same, the attempt at a World Record 4000 entries, prompted the organizers to add some additional weight classes, along with a Girl's Division. "Basically, we are going back to the old weight classes that we had about seven years ago," said Tournament Chairman Bart Freidenberg. "The only change is that we now have an Open Division, which we stared two years ago, and have added a Girl's Division for this year." Freidenberg said that the Girl's Division would be for the high school age only, though girl's in the seventh and eighth grade may participate in this group if they so choose. He added that if there was enough interest in this new division, that younger divisions, for the girls, would be considered in the future. This year, all the Boy's Divisions will place the top eight (8) place finishers, while the Open and Girl's Divisions, both of which will require no pre-qualification, will place the top six (6). In other news, Freidenberg announced that any wrestler from a state that does not have adequate qualifying events (this includes Kentucky), would be exempt from having to qualify, in order to register and participate. "Our goal is not to try to keep wrestlers from participating in our event," Freidenberg said. "The qualification process was adopted to try to keep those who might not be ready for such an event from competing. However, we feel that if a wrestler is coming from an adequate distance, that they more than likely have enough experience under their belt." He also added that they are currently working on a new website, which should be operational when registration opens on December 1. New this year will be the ability for individuals/teams to be able to enter all their wrestlers, with one user name and thus monitor each individual's status and weight. Clubs and teams may also be able to receive a discount, based on the total number of wrestlers attending. "We're trying to finalize the number of wrestlers needed and the discount they would receive," Freidenberg said. "There will probably be a few different levels that we have. Also we are going to be having three levels of Club/Team competition (local, area and all-star). Scores will be kept, and awards given, in each Age Division and also Overall." Freidenberg also added that the current site has a list of the current hotels where they have room blocks set up and that, once the new site is finished, most of the hotel listings will have a direct link to click on for reservations at most of the properties. Here are the Age Divisions/Weights that will be contested: ***weights listed are the maximum weight allowed (ie: Bantam 44 is 44.0 and under) Age Division (birth years)/Weight Classes Bantam (2004-and later) 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 65, 70, 80, 95 Midget (2002-2003) 48, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 80, 85, 92, 100, 115, 130 Junior (2000-2001) 58, 62, 66, 70, 73, 76, 79, 82, 86, 90, 95, 100, 110, 125, 140, 160, 180 Schoolboy (1998-1999) 70, 75, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 126, 133, 140, 155, 180, 205, 240 Cadet (1996-1997) 92, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 145, 152, 160, 171, 200, 242 Elite (1993*-1995) 112, 118, 125, 132, 139, 146, 153, 160, 171, 190, 220, 275 *must not have graduated high school Open Division (Post High School): 135, 145, 155, 165,175, 190, 220, 285 Girl's High School Division (girls in grades 7 and 8 may choose to compete in this division if they wish): 100, 110, 116, 122, 128, 134, 140, 147, 155, 165, 180, 250 In addition, here is the time schedule: Friday, April 20 4:00-8:00 PM Weigh-ins Cols Conv. Ctr - Hall C Saturday, April 21 6:30 AM - Doors Open 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Bantam, Midget, Junior, Schoolboy (70-104), & Girls's Mats 1-36 3:00-11:00 PM Schoolboy (108-240), Cadet & Elite & Open Mats 1-36 10 AM-10 PM 4 mats will be used to allow those wrestlers, who lose their first two matches, to have an extra match. Mats 37-40 In addition, the tournament announced that the entry fee, for individual and family entries will remain at $60 (additional entries from the same immediate family will be only $40). Entry fee for the Open and Girl's Division will be $40. As like last year, a $5 fee, per wrestler, would be added for event insurance. Freidenberg added that the event will once again feature FREE ADMISSION, for all spectators, and that there would be no additional fees for individuals to coach.

OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS - APRIL 21, 2012 COLUMBUS CONVENTIONS CENTER - COLUMBUS, OH ***For Additional Information: bdbop@aol.com ~ 614-833-5885*** "Help us set a World Record, with 4000 entries" Age Divisions & Tournament Schedule Announced ***New for 2012: Girl's Division*** November 7, 2011.....Columbus, OH The Ohio Tournament of Champions has announced the Age Groups, Weight Classes and Event Schedule that it will be using for next year's event, to be held April 21, at the Columbus Convention Center. While the age divisions are the same, the attempt at a World Record 4000 entries, prompted the organizers to add some additional weight classes, along with a Girl's Division. "Basically, we are going back to the old weight classes that we had about seven years ago," said Tournament Chairman Bart Freidenberg. "The only change is that we now have an Open Division, which we stared two years ago, and have added a Girl's Division for this year." Freidenberg said that the Girl's Division would be for the high school age only, though girl's in the seventh and eighth grade may participate in this group if they so choose. He added that if there was enough interest in this new division, that younger divisions, for the girls, would be considered in the future. This year, all the Boy's Divisions will place the top eight (8) place finishers, while the Open and Girl's Divisions, both of which will require no pre-qualification, will place the top six (6). In other news, Freidenberg announced that any wrestler from a state that does not have adequate qualifying events (this includes Kentucky), would be exempt from having to qualify, in order to register and participate. "Our goal is not to try to keep wrestlers from participating in our event," Freidenberg said. "The qualification process was adopted to try to keep those who might not be ready for such an event from competing. However, we feel that if a wrestler is coming from an adequate distance, that they more than likely have enough experience under their belt." He also added that they are currently working on a new website, which should be operational when registration opens on December 1. New this year will be the ability for individuals/teams to be able to enter all their wrestlers, with one user name and thus monitor each individual's status and weight. Clubs and teams may also be able to receive a discount, based on the total number of wrestlers attending. "We're trying to finalize the number of wrestlers needed and the discount they would receive," Freidenberg said. "There will probably be a few different levels that we have. Also we are going to be having three levels of Club/Team competition (local, area and all-star). Scores will be kept, and awards given, in each Age Division and also Overall." Freidenberg also added that the current site has a list of the current hotels where they have room blocks set up and that, once the new site is finished, most of the hotel listings will have a direct link to click on for reservations at most of the properties. Here are the Age Divisions/Weights that will be contested: ***weights listed are the maximum weight allowed (ie: Bantam 44 is 44.0 and under) Age Division (birth years)/Weight Classes Bantam (2004-and later) 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 65, 70, 80, 95 Midget (2002-2003) 48, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 80, 85, 92, 100, 115, 130 Junior (2000-2001) 58, 62, 66, 70, 73, 76, 79, 82, 86, 90, 95, 100, 110, 125, 140, 160, 180 Schoolboy (1998-1999) 70, 75, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 126, 133, 140, 155, 180, 205, 240 Cadet (1996-1997) 92, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 145, 152, 160, 171, 200, 242 Elite (1993*-1995) 112, 118, 125, 132, 139, 146, 153, 160, 171, 190, 220, 275 *must not have graduated high school Open Division (Post High School): 135, 145, 155, 165,175, 190, 220, 285 Girl's High School Division (girls in grades 7 and 8 may choose to compete in this division if they wish): 100, 110, 116, 122, 128, 134, 140, 147, 155, 165, 180, 250 In addition, here is the time schedule: Friday, April 20 4:00-8:00 PM Weigh-ins Cols Conv. Ctr - Hall C Saturday, April 21 6:30 AM - Doors Open 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Bantam, Midget, Junior, Schoolboy (70-104), & Girls's Mats 1-36 3:00-11:00 PM Schoolboy (108-240), Cadet & Elite & Open Mats 1-36 10 AM-10 PM 4 mats will be used to allow those wrestlers, who lose their first two matches, to have an extra match. Mats 37-40 In addition, the tournament announced that the entry fee, for individual and family entries will remain at $60 (additional entries from the same immediate family will be only $40). Entry fee for the Open and Girl's Division will be $40. As like last year, a $5 fee, per wrestler, would be added for event insurance. Freidenberg added that the event will once again feature FREE ADMISSION, for all spectators, and that there would be no additional fees for individuals to coach.

Dear Parents, Coaches & Wrestlers, Just a reminder that applications for the 2012 Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team are due by October 15. Those interested need to currently be in the 5th thru 9th grade, have at least a minimum of a B-/C+ grade point average, and have an anticipated Summer weight of between 60-145 pounds. If interested, an application can be found at: http://ohiotofc.com/index1.php?intId=7 and you can fill it out and mail it in, or e-mail it back. Note: Non Ohio wrestlers MAY apply for a spot on this team. For those wondering abut the team's itinerary, we are still working on the particulars, but it appears the following would be pretty close to what the final tour will look like: June 16-22 Team Training Camp June 23-August 4 Wrestling Tour - with wrestling stops in: Denver, CO Cheyenne, WY Jackson, WY Salt Lake City, UT Winnemuca, NV Reno, NV Northern California (San Francisco area) Central California (Fresno, Tulare, Bakersfield area) Southern California (Los Angeles area) Las Vegas, NV Southern Utah Green River, WY So far, we have had a lot of wrestlers, with outstanding accomplishments (TofC, Tulsa, OAC, OURWAY, NUWAY and Various State Champs and place winners) apply. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me. Yours in Wrestling, Bart Freidenberg bdbop@aol.com 614-833-5885

Dear Wrestlers, Parents & Coaches, Due to the interest we have received, we are now looking at expanding the opportunity to be able to accommodate 20 - 22 wrestlers on next summer's Ohio All-Star Team. So far, we have received applications from wrestlers representing seven states, including Kentucky, and have heard, with strong interest, from those representing several others. Among those that have already applied are champions and place winners from the Ohio Tournament of Champions, Tulsa Nationals, Liberty Nationals, NUWAY Nationals, USA Folkstyle Nationals, AAU Nationals, OAC Junior High and Grade School States, OURWAY States, Ohio Youth State, Schoolboy National Dual Team members and various other State Scholastic Championships. Again, if you have any interest in having your son participate as a member of this team, I encourage you to fill out and return, either via US postal mail or e-mail, an application, which can be found at: (http://ohiotofc.com/index1.php?intId=7) Also, if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer them, If necessary, I can also provide you with names/numbers of former trip wrestlers/parents, so that you can get their feelings on the Ohio All-Star tour as well. Bart Freidenberg Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team bdbop@aol.com 614-507-1653

I have received a great number of e-mails, regarding the 2012 Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team tour. I thought it might be best to try to address many of the questions by posting the responses below: Q: If it is the Ohio All-Stars, why does the team accept applications from non Ohio wrestlers? A: The Ohio All-Stars are pretty unique and are the only youth wrestling team, that we know of, that does what we do to the extent that we do. Along with the wrestling, we try to incorporate a lot of cultural and fun activities along the way (plays, amusement parks, National Parks, water parks, whitewater rafting, special guest speakers, etc...). When the team started, in 1983, it was just for Ohio high school wrestlers. In 1984 we had both a high school and middle school team, again with only Ohio wrestlers. However, we received a tremendous amount of interest from non Ohio wrestlers. and In 1985, we accepted our first two of these to our team. Since then, we have had more than 125 non Ohio wrestlers represent the OASWT. Q: What is the probability that a non Ohio wrestler will get selected? A: While Ohio wrestlers do sort of have an edge, recent years has seen about 40-60% of the roster filled by non Ohio wrestlers. A lot of this will have to deal with who all applies and at what weight they are. A large part of the selection process also hinges on the character of the wrestler and not necessarily their wrestling ability, though that does play a part in it as well. Many times, those that don't get selected will be invited to the team training camp and generally then have an edge on making the team the following year. Here is the overall breakdown on other states and the number of wrestlers they have had participate: Pennsylvania 45, New Jersey 22, Maryland 11, New York 11, Michigan 10; Delaware 6, West Virginia 6, Massachusetts 4, Connecticut 3, California 2, Indiana 2, North Carolina 2, Virginia 2, Colorado 1, Illinois 1, New Hampshire 1, Vermont 1 and Wyoming 1 - for a total of 128 different wrestlers. Q: What are the dates for the 2012 tour and where will they travel to? A: We are still working on the final dates, but are estimating that the team camp will be held around mid June and the tour would finish around the end of July or first few days of August. For the most part, the team will travel and compete in the Western USA. There is a possibility that part of the training camp could be held in New York City (we have done this several times in the past), but that is not a definite for 2012 yet. Q: We see the tour will run between $3500-$4000. Why so much? A: Actually, the team runs a very tight budget. The money raised covers airfare, rental vehicles, hotel lodging, meal money, sightseeing, equipment, exchange gifts, coaches, team videos/photos. For the most part, all an individual is responsible for is their own souvenir spending. Best thing we can do is put you in contact with a former team member's parents and you can ask them if they feel the trip was worth the money they raised. Q: How much wrestling do they do on the tour? A: First off, there is a high intense training camp held, prior to the team's departure. After that, the team is generally on the mat (practice/competition) about five times per week. However, other days may be filled with running, hiking mountains or some other activity that helps with conditioning. Generally, each wrestler will receive between 12-18 matches on the tour. However, the real benefit of the tour's wrestling comes during scheduled practice sessions. Also, a major benefit of the tour is allowing the wrestler to learn to be independent from their parents. They are responsible for managing their money, doing their own laundry, displaying proper manners, getting along with their teammates, etc... Q: Why don't you take younger/older kids on the tour? A: We have found that 6th-9th graders seem to be able to grasp the tour the best and are best able to handle the time away from home. Fifth graders may be selected, but often times they are about a year away, maturity wise, to handle things properly and have the tour be a positive experience for them. Likewise, we have taken some 10th graders, but they need to have the ability to get along well with the younger wrestlers and realize that they have limits on what is acceptable behavior. Q: Why do you limit the upper weight at 145 pounds? A: There are a few reasons for this. First off, when someone thinks they will be 145 in the summer, that can mean they will be anywhere from 145-160. In the past, we have found it difficult for the other teams to be able to find big enough kids, (without them being a lot older), to match up against our heavier weights. However, taking a 9th grade 150 pounder would not be as much of a problem as taking a 150 pound 6th or 7th grader, as the 9th grader could compete against a high school junior/senior, if necessary. It's not that wrestlers over 145 would not be considered, but we would also need to be sure that any selected wrestler will have proper workout partners on the trip - so we would need to receive at least a few to consider. Q: Can we e-mail the applications back, or do we have to mail them? A: You can submit your application either way. If e-mailing, please remember to e-mail both the completed form and a recent photo. Also, please make sure that at least one of the references you list is a non wrestling individual, such as a school teacher, guidance counselor, principal, clergyman, etc... For the most part, this reference plays a bigger role in the selection process than the wrestling reference you list.