UtahWrestling.org Convenes 2nd Annual Photography Competition

UtahWrestling.org is holding an open Photography Competition to promote the sport of wrestling and recognize enthusiasts who have captured the heart of the sport through their lens.  The contest is open to both published and unpublished individuals worldwide in both black and white and color photography.  The deadline for entries is Dec. 31, 2009.

"Contests provide recognition and some small financial support for writers and artists," said UtahWrestling.org Editor Bill Kilpack.  "Getting published can be like getting a job: you need credentials.  Winning a contest is a very viable credential.  At the same time, there are so many images out there that really encapsulate the greatness of wrestling that are providing enjoyment to a few individuals, when they could be shared by so many more."

The winners for the 2008 competition include Champion, John Leavitt of Centerville, UT, who received a $100 cash prize for a color photo titled "Smoke No Fire" (he also received Honorable Mention for a color photo titled "Anguish") and Thomas Blair of Berthoud, CO, who received Honorable Mention for his color photo titled "Which Way Is Up?"

Awards include first through third places in each category, honorable mention, publication award, and browser’s choice via the Web site.  Prizes include a $100 first prize, $50 second prize, $25 third prize, and publication on UtahWrestling.org.

Kilpack said, "I am a writer and artist, and an advocate of wrestling.  So I know what it's like to be intimidated by other contest sponsors or faced with entry fees that were too high.  We are open to everyone with the courage to offer their works for public exhibition.  I've wanted to do something like this since starting UtahWrestling.org in 2004.  Finally, I said to myself: just do it."”

The entry fee for the contest is $10 per submission.  The fee helps fund cash awards to winners, as well as operational costs associated with the high-traffic Web site.  The contest will be judged by the UtahWrestling.org editor as well as guest judges with backgrounds in photography, and the world's oldest sport.

To enter the contest, submissions should be submitted online at www.UtahWrestling.org, e-mailed to photocontest@utahwrestling.org, or via mail to Bill Kilpack, c/o UtahWrestling.org, P.O. Box 1418, West Jordan, UT  84084.  All mailed submissions should be accompanied by a check or money order made out to Kilpack Enterprises for the applicable entry fee, and adhere to contest guidelines.  Online submissions may provide entry fee by way of major credit card (for international submissions, the credit-card companies take care of exchanging international currencies automatically).  Contest guidelines are available on the Web site, or printed copies may be requested at the same address listed previously.

UtahWrestling.org is the voice of Utah wrestling, dedicated to promoting the quality and achievements of Utah athletes and wrestling enthusiasts.  For more information, visit us on the Worldwide Web at www.UtahWrestling.org or e-mail info@utahwrestling.org.