Message to Minnesota/USA Wrestling - December 24, 2020

Many changes to daily life have occurred in 2020, and we look forward to being matside again soon in Minnesota.

Chairman…

2020 has been a year of twists and turns. Just when I feel our organization has taken a few steps forward in the right direction, the circumstances around us change and we are then forced to re-think and often start in a new direction. We have been working diligently to try and get wrestling back in Minnesota ranging from regular calls with the department of health and commissioners for youth sports to seeking new facility options so that we are able to help coordinate regular season tournaments along with the state tournaments for Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco. The 2021 season will look different than those in years past, but we will do what we can to keep our wrestlers on the mat. With that said, in light of all the changes it is important for parents, coaches, athletes, and club leaders to watch for regular updates as the season progresses as there will be significant changes this year from the way a regular tournament is run, who is allowed to be present at events, the qualification procedure for state, etc., just to name a few. It is truly a pleasure to be a part of such a great organization with so many individuals across this state who are committed to keeping Minnesota as a premier wrestling state!!! If anyone has any questions feel free to reach out anytime via email at nlyden@mnusawrestling.org or feel free to call me on my cell at 612-770-8293, always happy to discuss wrestling and any ways we can improve.

State Director...

As many of you have seen we have created a new State Director position for Minnesota/USA Wrestling. Matt Njos started in this position in November, and will work on the day to day items for us as well as any future plans Minnesota/USA Wrestling has. Here are some updates he has:

I have been working on getting a facility for Minnesota/USA Wrestling to call home for the Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco seasons. This new facility in Coon Rapids is available February 1st, and will hold tournaments (including State tournaments), practices, etc. I will also be scheduling upcoming tournaments starting the weekend of February 6th. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me anytime via mnjos@mnusawrestling.org.

State Girls’/Women’s Freestyle Coach…

Minnesota/USA Wrestling also created a new State Girls’/Women’s Freestyle Coach position, with Jake Short accepting the position on December 21st. Jake will be working and coordinating with current Girls'/Women's Director Chad Shilson, State Freestyle Coach Jayson Ness, and State Greco Coach Dan Chandler. Jake can be contacted via jshort@mnusawrestling.org.

Board Members...

David Peterson dpeterson@mnusawrestling.org was nominated and approved as President and Chris Blasko cblasko@mnusawrestling.org was nominated and approved as Open Tournament Coordinator at the December Board meeting. Other recent changes are Merilee Cardinal mcardinal@mnusawrestling.org as Pairing Director, Angie Bizal abizal@mnusawrestling.org as Membership Director, and Jim Moulsoff moulsoff@augsburg.edu as Cadet Director.

With the recent changes we are seeking volunteers for the following open positions:

• Medical Director

• Tableworkers Director

• Media Director 

If you are interested in any of these open positions, please contact Nick, Dave, Ali, Matt, or any Board member.

We would also again like to thank Carrie Learn, and Dale and Heidi Schmitz for their countless years of service to Minnesota/USA Wrestling!!!

Happy Holidays and Best to All from Minnesota/USA Wrestling #MNStorm