2015 California USA Wrestling Newsletter Jan 2015 | Page 4

Be sure to follow us on State Chairman’s Report: Duane Morgan, State Chairman Welcome back to another year of the worlds’ oldest and greatest sport. California-USA Wrestling is proud to be the state amateur governing body of wrestling for clubs and all age groups in the state. USA Wrestling is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as the official governing body of the sport of amateur wrestling in the country and the world. California USA Wrestling had a great year last year. A National membership milestone was set by California by achieving 22,000 wresters having a USA Wrestling membership. This was accomplished through creative programming and hard work by coaches at the local level, providing opportunities for kids. As a state for this year the Board of Directors has approved a program to provide membership cards for kids 14 and under to receive either a reduced or free membership card. You should ask your local association director on how to take advantage of this program. We will continue to explore creative ideas to provide opportunities for kids to participate at the local and state levels. California USA Wrestling continues to stride forward in competition in the regional, national and world level. We had many all American placers in Fargo and many world level competitors, including Cade Olivas-who represented the United State in the Youth Olympic Games this past summer. I know you are as proud of these athletes’ accomplishments as I am. Remember they did not get to these pinnacles of success all by themselves. Their families made sacrifices, the community backed every one of them, the coaches coached them and the wrestling structure provided by California USA Wrestling provided programming to help guide them and provide a venue to hone their skills and prepare to meet their goals. On that note I would like to thank all of the volunteers, the coaches, the parents of athletes, in the California USA Wrestling family, that you provide a workout room, a ride to events and food when they run out of money. This is what we do, no one makes a living doing this , it is the love to provide quality opportunities for young athletes to succeed, which drives these volunteers. I am very proud to be the state chairman of over 2000 coaches, 300 officials and countless other who help our wrestlers enjoy and thrive in the great sport of wrestling. We have exciting programming set up for all who want to participate from state championships, to over 200 local events and 600 clubs. As always if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact either myself of Rob Valerio at the emails listed below and we will get back to you as quick as we can. Have a great year and see you on the mat. Duane Morgan, [email protected] Rob Valerio, [email protected] Duane Morgan, State Chairman California USA Wrestling Inc.