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Randi Miller named 2008 Women’s Wrestler of the Year by USA Wrestling

Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
06/10/2009
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Randi Miller (Colorado Springs, Colo. and Marquette, Mich./Gator WC) was named 2008 Women’s Wrestler of the Year by USA Wrestling. It is the first time in her career that she has received this award.

Miller won a bronze medal at 63 kg/138.75 lbs. in women’s freestyle at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She was the only U.S. women’s wrestler to win a medal at the Beijing Games.

She become only the third U.S. women’s wrestler in history to capture an Olympic medal, joining 2004 Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann and 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Patricia Miranda.

She won four of her five matches at the Olympics, losing only to two-time Olympic champion Kaori Icho of Japan in the quarterfinals. Miller defeated three-time World silver medalist Martine Dugrenier of Canada in the bronze-medal match.

Miller won the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev. in June, defeating 2004 Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann in the championship series in two straight matches. She also won her first U.S. Nationals title in Las Vegas in April, defeating McMann in the championship finals.

She won three other medals in major international events during the year, winning a silver medal at the Medved International in Belarus in March, a bronze medal at Dave Schultz Memorial in Colorado Springs in February and a bronze medal at the Ivan Yarygin International in Russia in January.

Miller was a U.S. Olympic Training Center resident athlete during the 2008 season. She attended college at Neosho County CC in Kansas, MacMurray College in Illinois and Northern Michigan Univ. prior to moving to the USOTC. Miller was a high school star at Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. After the Olympic Games, Miller returned to Northern Michigan to coach with the U.S. Olympic Education Center women’s team there.

PAST WOMEN'S WRESTLER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
2008 – Randi Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo., Gator WC
2007 – Kristie Marano, Colorado Springs, Colo., New York AC
2006 – Kristie Marano, Colorado Springs, Colo., New York AC
2005 – Iris Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. U.S. Army
2004 - Sara McMann, Lock Haven, Pa., Sunkist Kids
2003 - Patricia Miranda, Colorado Springs, Colo., Dave Schultz WC
2002 - Kristie Marano, Albany, N.Y., ATWA
2001 - Toccara Montgomery, Cleveland, Ohio, Sunkist Kids
2000 - Kristie Marano, Albany, N.Y., ATWA
1999 - Tricia Saunders, Phoenix, Ariz., Sunkist Kids
1998 - Kristie Stenglein, Albany, N.Y., ATWA
1997 - Sandra Bacher, San Jose, Calif., Dave Schultz WC
1996 - Tricia Saunders, Phoenix, Ariz., Sunkist Kids
1995 - Vickie Zummo, Hamburg, N.J., New York AC
1994 - Shannon Williams, Ontario, Calif., Sunkist Kids
1993 - Tricia Saunders, Phoenix, Ariz., Sunkist Kids

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Canada

The world stage

Cassie Leigh the first local wrestler to win a medal at an international tournament in Europe

Posted By DAVE DAWSON, - SPECIAL TO THE PACKET AND TIMES

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - Orillia, Ontario, CANADA

 

Cassie Leigh made history in Turkey recently, becoming the first local wrestler to win a medal at an international competition in Europe.

"I was not expecting to medal, not at all," said Leigh, a Grade 10 student at Park Street Collegiate Institute. "I was just hoping to do my best because it was my first ever international competition."

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Cassie Leigh recently competed and won a bronze medal in a tournament in Turkey. She is the first local wrestler to win an international competition in Europe.

Leigh, who stands just over 5- feet-2-inches tall, said she was nervous heading into her matches. "It was definitely nerve-wracking because it was pretty tough competition," she said. "Mostly, it's mental because I've never been to this type of competition before. It's a whole new experience."  

But her trademark toughness and technical ability allowed her to shine on the international stage -- and gave her a coveted berth on the podium.  

"It was just an amazing opportunity and the highlight of my wrestling career so far," said Leigh. "I still can't believe it."  

Her strong showing does not come as a surprise to Juris Ligers, who introduced Leigh to the sport when she was in Grade 4 at Warminster Public School and also helped coach her when she joined the Mariposa Wrestling Club a year later.  

"I remember Cassie being a very focused individual in Grade 4," Ligers said. "She is never satisfied with anything but her absolute best efforts, and, in turn, results."  

Ligers said Leigh's feat in Turkey is unmatched in the history of the Mariposa club.  

"I am very excited about Cassie's bronze-medal achievement," Ligers said. "Often, when Canada sends athletes to international events at this age level, European athletes turn out to be at a much higher level. (Our) goal was for Cassie to win a match at this level. To come home with a medal -- and to have won matches convincingly and close ones -- is very encouraging. We have had other athletes win Pan-American medals (Jade Parsons and Jeramie Herrington), but this is Mariposa's first European medal. Orillia has been blessed with many incredible athletes in many different sports, and it's nice to see Cassie contribute to some of those results," he said.  

Ligers said her success is a testament to her work ethic.  

"She wants to be the best at everything she does. Cassie has talent in this sport, determination and toughness," Ligers said. "Toughness is something you can't teach; it's intrinsic to an athlete. You are tough, or you aren't. Cassie has had a variety of dedicated coaches over the years including myself, Bob Parsons, Mike Plue and Kyle Sweezey. I like to think she has picked up something from each of us," he added. 

` Leigh said her coaches deserve credit for helping to shape her into the athlete she's become. "I'm really grateful for my coaches over the years, especially Juris and Bob Parsons," said Leigh. "They have been great to teach me everything I need to know and to make it easier for me to do so well."  

Her own passion to excel has also been the fuel that has driven her, Leigh admits. "A lot of it just has to do with wanting to do well," said Leigh. "I spend a lot of time training at the club and I do a lot of running."

Leigh said it doesn't feel like work to her. "I just love to wrestle. I like the fact that I don't have to rely on a teammate, that I've got no one to blame but myself. I'm competitive and this is a competitive sport so I really like it."  

She also appreciates the doors the sport has opened. "I certainly didn't think when I started wrestling that I would get an opportunity like this," said Leigh of her trip to Turkey.  

"We visited the ruins of Ephesus and the House of Mary. It was an incredible experience."  

For Ligers, Leigh's feat underlines his mission as a coach.  

"This is why I coach, to give athletes opportunities like this," Ligers said. "Whatever Cassie decides to do with her wrestling career in the future, she will always have this experience of representing her country and winning an international medal."


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NATIONAL GIRLS’ FOLKSTYLE DUALS
NOVEMBER 20-21, 2009
INTENT TO PARTICIPATE
PLEASE MAIL, EMAIL OR FAX THIS BACK IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT
TO RESERVE YOUR TEAM’S SPOT.
THIS IS NOT YOUR TEAM ENTRY. THIS IS ONLY NOTIFICATION OF YOUR INTENT TO PARTICIPATE TO
ASSIST ORGANIZERS IN THE PLANNING PROCESS. YOUR ENTRY IN THE EVENT WILL NOT BE GUARANTEED UNTIL YOU SUBMIT ALL ENTRY FORMS AND FEES.
CHECK ONE:
􀀀
Our team will participate in this event.
􀀀
Our team cannot participate this year, but please keep us on your mailing list for next year.
UPON RECEIPT, PLEASE COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW AND SUBMIT.
State: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Team Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Person: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________State: _____________ Zip: _______________________________
Home Phone: _______________________Cell Phone:______________________Work Phone: _____________________
Email Address (MANDATORY) ________________________________________________________________________
Travel Coordinator (if different):_________________________________________________________________________
Email (Mandatory) :___________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: __________________________________ Work Phone: __________________________________________
Hotel (if booked):______________________________________________________________________________________
RETURN THIS FORM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE VIA FAX OR EMAIL TO:
Marty Bartram
Rhino Wrestling Club
7117 Rockridge Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28306
910-429-2436 (Fax)
NationalDualsDirector@rhinowrestling.org
REMEMBER, THE ENTRY DEADLINE FOR ALL ENTRY MATERIAL IS MONDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 2009! PLEASE SEND YOUR INTENT TO PARTICIPATE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
National Girls’ Folkstyle Duals Information & Entry Packet
Enclosed you will find the following entry materials for the 2009 USA National Folkstyle Duals.
1. Intent to participate (return today!)
2. Instructions to Enter
3. Tournament Information
4. Team Roster
5. Entry Form
If any of the listed items are missing, please contact: Marty Bartram at 910-824-0024 or NationalDualsDirector@rhinowrestling.org.
It is important to have all information completely filled out. All items must be received no later than Monday, 16 November, 2009.
Entry Instructions
Send the following items:
1. Entry Fee of $250.00 NON-REFUNDABLE, no Personal Checks, please.
2. Completed Team Roster
3. Completed Entry Forms
Please submit by traceable delivery to:
National Duals
7117 Rockridge Lane
Fayetteville, NC 28306
910-429-2436 (Fax)
NationalDualsDirector@rhinowrestling.org
National Girls’ Folkstyle Duals Tournament Information
DATES: November 20-21, 2009
SITE: Crown Center Arena
1600 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306
HOST: North Carolina USA Wrestling and the Rhino Wrestling Club
ENTRY FEE: $250.00, NON-REFUNDABLE. NO PERSONAL CHECKS.
Entry fee includes admission for members of the official roster submitted for this event (maximum of 3 coaches and 1 table worker).
For more information, contact Marty Bartram at 910-824-0024 or NationalDualsDirector@rhinowrestling.org.
ENTRY DEADLINE: All entries MUST BE RECEIVED BY Monday 16 November, 2009.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel and travel information is available on our website www.rhinowrestling.org/nationalduals.html
MEMBERSHIP: All team members, coaches, table workers and clubs must hold current USA membership cards.
Purchase membership cards in advance from your State USA office or at http://www.themat.com/membership.php
WEIGH-INS & REGISTRATION: Weigh-ins and registration will take place between 1 pm and 8 pm on Friday November 20, 2009 at Holiday Inn I-95 1944 Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312. This is the host hotel for the event. Each team will register and weigh in together. ATHLETES WILL WEIGH-IN WEARING A SINGLET.
PARKING: Parking is free for the event.
ADMISSION: Admission to the event will be $15 for both days and $10 for the second day.
COOLERS: TEAM COOLERS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THE HOSPITALITY ROOM. THERE IS A $30 COOLER FEE. ABSOLUTELY NO OUTSIDE FOOD WILL BE ALLOWED IN THROUGH THE GENERAL ADMISSION GATE.
COACHS’ MEETING: The coach’s meeting will be held at event venue at 8:15am on Saturday November 21.
COMPETITION: Opening ceremonies will be held at 8:45 am on Saturday, November 21, 2009, competition will begin following
opening ceremonies. RULES: Rules will be according to the USA Wrestling Handbook, the USA National Codebook and the National High School Rulebook.
Girls’ Dual Team Information
The weight classes for the event are: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 66, 70, 74, 81, 88, 97, 105, 114, 125, 136, 136+ (30lbs max difference). Tenths will be dropped at weigh-ins to accommodate scale differences. Competitors in weight classes 66 – 136+ must have been born in 1994 or after, AND be enrolled in middle school (or junior high), 6th through 8th Grade. Competitors that meet this age and grade criteria are PROHIBITED from competing in weight classes lower than 66lbs. Wrestlers younger or in lower grades than those stipulated in the upper weight class criteria may wrestle in weight classes 66 – 136+ with the signed permission of the parent/guardian.
Each Participant should bring proof of age and grade with them to the event. A team shall consist of up to 16 weight classes, 4 alternates, and 1 table worker.
EACH TEAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO PROVIDE ONE TIMER OR ONE SCORER FOR EACH OF THEIR TEAM’S DUAL MEETS.
AMONG THOSE TIED, CRITERIA IN CASE OF TWO OR MORE TEAMS ENDING WITH IDENTICAL
RECORDS: (in a situation of a three-way tie, once the three-way tie is broken to two teams revert to the following process beginning with head-to-head.)
1. Head-to-head competition
2. Greatest number of team points
3. Greatest number of individual wins
4. Greatest number of falls
5. Greatest number of technical falls
6. Greatest number of major decisions
7. Greatest number of offensive points scored by all athletes during the head-to-head competition
TIE BREAKERS FOR ALL DUAL MEETS AMONG THOSE TIED:
1. The team who has been penalized the least for Flagrant or Unsportsmanlike conduct 2.The team having won the greatest number of individual matches 3. The team who has accumulated the greater amount of 6 point wins 4.The team having the greater number of technical falls 5.The team having the greater number of major decisions 6.The team having the greater number of points for near-falls
7. The team having the greater number of takedowns 8. The team having the greater number of escapes 9.It’s a tie
AWARDS: Top four teams will receive trophies. Individual awards will be presented based upon win/loss criteria. MOW and Sportsmanship award will be presented to athletes. Most Outstanding Coach and Coaches’ Sportsmanship Award will be presented.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Marty Bartram at 910-824-0024 or NationalDualsDirector@rhinowrestling.org.
2009 NATIONAL GIRLS’ FOLKSTYLE DUALS
Entry Form and Roster
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
TEAM NAME:______________________________________________________________________
CLUB NUMBER:____________________________________________________________________
USA DISTRICT:____________________________________________________________________
HEAD COACH
NAME:
EMAIL:
ADDRESS Street: City: State: Zip:
Phone # Home: Cell:
ASSISTANT COACH
NAME:
EMAIL:
ADDRESS Street: City: State: Zip:
Phone # Home: Cell:
ASSISTANT COACH
NAME:
EMAIL:
ADDRESS Street: City: State: Zip:
Phone # Home: Cell:
Must be signed by Head Coach:
I certify that all of the information submitted on the attached roster is correct and that each athlete meets all eligibility requirements. I certify that I know and understand the rules, policies, and code of
conduct for my sport. I have read the rules, statement of policy and ethics, and I agree to
require my athletes and assistant coaches to abide by them.
Coach’s Signature:___________________________Date:__________________
OFFICIAL ELEMENTARYTEAM ROSTER FOR USA WRESTLING NATIONAL FOLKSTYLE DUALS
STATE: TEAM NAME:
1) COACH'S NAME: USA NUMBER:
2) ASSISTANT COACH: USA NUMBER:
3) ASSISTANT COACH: USA NUMBER:
4) WORKER: USA NUMBER:
Athletes
LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI 2009 USA NUMBER BIRTH DATE GRADE
1.
40lbs
2.
45
3.
50
4.
55
5.
60
6.
66
7.
70
8.
74
9.
81
10.
88
11.
97
12.
105
13.
114
14.
125
15.
136
16.
136+
17.
ALTERNATE
18.
ALTERNATE
19.
ALTERNATE
20.
ALTERNATE