USA Wrestling Western Regional Championships Update

Dear Wrestler and Parent,

We are fast approaching the Western Regionals in Pocatello, Ida. Since Diane and I have been in charge of this event for Utah, we can't remember a time with more excitement. We have almost four times the number of wrestlers from Utah competing this year and we are very excited about that!

Here are a few reminders and updates.

Make sure you know that you can't just show up during the weigh-in time. Every wrestler must be there during the registration time to pick up their weigh in card.  So by the time weigh-ins start, all wrestlers must have already checked in.

Remember that tonight is the last chance to get your coaches training before the event. Our second Bronze class starts tonight at Mountain Crest at 5:30 p.m. (May 28). If you are in St. George, you better drive fast.

Many phone calls and emails are coming in about Team Utah Gear. The gear is ordered but not in yet. I am hoping it arrives as soon as possible. In years past when we only have 50 or so kids going, I pack my suburban and family of seven with everyone's gear and I look a lot like the Beverly Hillbillies' truck driving cross country. I would appreciate as many people as possible pick up their gear from me before, but I realize its hard to do that for all. If you can't get to me, I will have it there in Idaho at the check in table.

Remember that you are not allowed to move down a weight but if you fail to make the weight you qualified at, you will be moved up. No need to stress if you have hit a growth spurt.

The coaches and college wrestlers at UVU have offered to host a week-long camp for all Midgets through Cadets that are going to Western Regionals, like they did last year. Last year's camp was a huge success but I didn't get the word to many in time. I hope as many of you as possible can come and train together as a state and prepare for this great tournament. Please pay attention to these details on the camp:

• Location: The wrestling room of Utah Valley University off University Parkway in Orem. The room is located in the northwest corner of the huge parking lot of the McKay Events Center.

• Dates: June 2–6, 2008

• Cost: The clinic is free but I am suggesting those who come make a donation to support the college wrestlers who are coaching all week. These college guys are taking the week off from their summer jobs to coach and we are hoping to compensate them enough that they will do the same thing again next year. The camp if free because we don't want anyone to not come because they can't afford it. However, for those than can afford it, we suggest a donation between $25 and $300. A typical camp like this would cost in this high range. You can bring cash or check made out to USA Utah Wrestling for your donation. If you can only come to a few days or just a few practices, that is OK. We want you there as much or as little as you can.

• What to Bring: Wrestling gear, lunch money, a good attitude.

• This is a Commuter Camp. No housing or food is involved. Just coaching and partners. The wrestlers will have a few hours between sessions to go to lunch or relax and build team relationships. Wrestlers can bring games or other things to do between sessions if they desire. Because many of you live a long way from Orem, you may want to arrange sleeping places with relatives, friends, or other wrestlers who are going.

• Who Can Come: You are not invited if you are not registered. This is not a camp for anyone other than those registered for the West Regional this year.

• Times:

  • Monday 9–10:30 a.m., Noon–1:30 p.m., and 3:30–4:40 p.m.

  • Tuesday through Friday 7–8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., 3:30–4:30 p.m.

The week between this camp and the tournament has many options to train. Most of the larger clubs will be hosting practices and or camps. Elite has a camp in St. Goerge, Vandit has a camp in Salt Lake, Wasatch has a camp in Heber, etc. I am not aware of all of them, but I highly suggest you get into a practice setting the week before the tournament. The same goes for the week after regionals and before nationals. Rocky Mountain is holding a camp that week too. I highly suggest that during this part of the season, the state comes together to form a team instead of just a bunch of clubs or families. Reach out and invite others to train with you and ask to cross train.

Hotels for West Regional: There are many club leaders who have blocked rooms in different hotels and still have rooms left. We have rooms in the new Hilton one mile from the dome and there are still about seven rooms left in our block. We will release them in a few days so if you want one, please respond quickly to this email. The hotels we have are are well priced, free breakfast, pool, extra sleeping space, kitchenette, etc.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to email Diane or I.

Happy training during this Olympic year. By the way, in just a quick review we have at least six Utah guys who are qualified and or ranked to make the Olympic team. GO UTAH!!!!

Diane LaMont
Kids Director
USA Wrestling-Utah

Craig LaMont
President
USA Wrestling-Utah