June 6-10, 2023
Purpose
Team Goals:
Plan:
Why Participate: This is one of the toughest 16U events in the nation. Your wrestler has the opportunity to wrestle in up to 18 matches, so there is tremendous bang for the buck. Competing in this event is a critical first step to gaining national recognition and credibility.
Tournament Details Event: USAW 16U GR/FS National Duals Date: June 5-11 2023. Travel time included. Location: Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111.
Eligibility: 16U are wrestlers born 2007-2008. 16U weight classes are: 88, 94, 100, 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285.
NO WEIGHT ALLOWANCE.
Weigh-ins: Wednesday, June 5th, 5-6PM All wrestlers must weigh together as a team, each in a VAWA singlet. We will conduct one practice at the venue prior to weigh-ins, however, each wrestler is expected to be on-weight when boarding VAWA transportation. Each wrestler must wrestle two Greco matches in order for the weigh-in to count for Freestyle competition. Trip Details. Otherwise they weigh in for Freestyle Friday at 6pm
Transportation: VAWA will arrange travel for athletes needing transportation to and from the 16U duals in Loves Park, IL. We will be renting vans to depart from Fredericksburg, VA on 6/5 at 8am and return after the conclusion of wrestling on 6/10. Expect return to Fredericksburg around 8am on 6/11.
Lodging:
VAWA will have hotels for athletes who's parents do not decide to travel with their children. We will also have a block of rooms for parents who decide to travel and would like to stay in the same hotel as the team. The cost per athlete will vary based upon accommodation arrangements. Hotel Information: 725 Clark Dr Rockford, IL 61107Meals: Registration fees DO NOT include meals. Breakfast is not free at the hotel. Lunch and Dinner options are available at the venue or hotel. We want this to be a family affair for this age group. We are looking for volunteers from parents that plan to attend to assist in getting items to eat for the team, making sandwiches, bringing in coolers of water, and other associated tasks. Additionally: Each wrestler will be asked to pay a fixed cost to cover a meal plan to be determined at a later date.
Extra Costs: Wrestlers should bring cash to cover personal expenses for non-team meals at the event and during travel, self-purchased snacks, and entertainment.
Training Expectations Club Training: Practice at least 2-3 times per week with a credible GR/FS club with quality partners
National Team Training: June 2-3 at St. Christopher's School
Competition: VAWA State Tournament - Both FR and GR Northeast Regional Championships - Both FR and GR and/or Southeast Regional Championships - Both FR and GR
Financial Team Fee: $500; Application $100 Deposit ($350 if wrestler stays in hotel with a parent)Team members must pay a non-refundable at the state tournament and be paid in full by June 2. This covers gear package, entry fee for both events, van/fuel, and hotel (rooms split up 4 wrestlers to a room).
Gear- VAWA will provide a gear package (2 singlets, 2 shirts, shorts) to each team member. Ordering will be based upon manufacturer sizing charts - no parent action is required. Payment Options:
Use of Alternates: Alternates are possible. Coaches will ensure that alternates get an equitable experience. Starters will not be asked to split "starts'' with an alternate. Instead, a coach will organize an equitable number of non-dual matches for alternates and alternates will "start" in duals when the Primary is injured/ill or requests a break (which is not uncommon). GR Alternates will "start" in two GR duals so that their GR weigh-in counts for FS. The coaching staff has experience supporting Alternates, and it is unlikely that Alternate wrestlers will be disappointed in their experience.