OhioTofc

Dear Parents & Wrestlers, We continue to announce one new member of next summer's Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team every three days, but many of you have e-mailed about who might be coaching the Ohio All-Star team next summer. Well, I am happy to be able to announce that the following individuals have indicated their desire to help coach the team, based of course on their schedule. 1. Mark Jayne - Mark recently moved back to the Cleveland area, from Chicago, where he was a High School Coach. He will now be an Assistant at Lakewood St. Edward High School. He was a 3x Ohio High School State Champion, for St. Edward, and also a 3X All American for the University of Illinois. Mark was a member of the 1994 Ohio All-Star Team and also coached the first 3 weeks of the trip this past summer. 2. Eddie Jayne - Marks's older brother, Eddie, was also a 3X State Champion for St. Edward and wrestled in college at Penn State. He was then a High School Coach at Watkins Memorial High School, in the Columbus area, for several years, before stepping down to pursue other things. Eddie was also a part of the Ohio All-Star Team in his youth, as a member of the 1990 team and has coached the team several times, including 2007, 2012 and this past summer. 3. Mike Geisz - Mike has helped to Coach the Ohio All-Star Team 7 times (2003-2008 and 2012). He wrestled for Miami of Ohio and was the former Head Coach at St. Charles High School, leading them to their first ever league title. He has also coached at a couple of Middle Schools and is currently a teacher in the Hilliard School District. 4. Ian Assael - Ian was formerly in charge of Camp Operations for Ken Chertow Camps, and is now helping out at Bucknell University. Now that he has a bit more free time in the summer, he has indicated that he would like to participate. Announcing the first 4 members of the 2014 Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team: Wrestler #1: Elijah Perkins, 125 pound 9th grader, from Miamisburg, OH. Elijah was 25-0 during his 2013 Junior High Season; 2nd at the 2013 Ohio TofC and placed 6th at the OAC States Wrestler #2: David Crawford, 130 pound 8th grader, from Canfield, OH. David was 2nd at the 2013 Ohio TofC, 2nd at 2013 OHIOWAY States and had a 65-10 record last season. Wrestler #3: Jacob Lagoa, 115 pound 7th grader from Ashtabula, OH. Jacob was 93-11 last season and placed 1st at the Ohio TofC, OHIOWAY and Ohio Youth League. Wrestler #4: Dustin Norris, 75 pound 6th grader from Middletown, OH. A former OAC Grade School State Champion, he placed 4th at the event this year and also took 8th at the Ohio TofC. Overall, he was 57-13 this past season. Attention Parents: We continue to receive applications and in fact received four already today (3 via regular mail and 1 via e-mail). While we have already made a selection for Wrestler #5, who will be our first non Ohio team member announced, we have not officially selected any additional wrestlers beyond that yet. Our Committee will meet again on Thursday to decide the next couple of selections. So, if you are at all interested in applying, I would suggest filling out and e-mailing back an application as soon as possible, so that your qualifications and references can be reviewed and your application can be placed in front of the Committee. If you need an application sent to you, or have any other questions about the team, please contact me at bdbop@aol.com and I will respond. Yours in Wrestling, Bart Freidenberg

September 1, 2013 Dear Parents, Coaches & Wrestlers, The Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team is now accepting applications for its 2014 summer tour. Interested wrestlers must currently be enrolled in the 6th-9th grade, have at least a 2.5 G.P.A. (B-/C+ average) and have an estimated summer weight of 65-145 pounds. NON OHIO WRESTLERS MAY APPLY and more than 500 wrestlers, representing 23 states (see list at end), have participated since the team began in 1983. (Note: 1 Indiana wrestler has recently participated: Lukasz Walendzak, of Bloomington. Lukasz was a member of the team in both 2012 and 2013). ---To request an application, please send your request to: bdbop@aol.com ***Current plans are for the 2014 tour to be the final major traveling tour for the team. While the team may continue in the future, it will most likely be done on a much smaller scale.*** Already, we have received a great deal of interest in next summer’s team and several applications, via mail and e-mail, have already been reviewed by our Committee. From the initial look of things, next summer’s team might well be one of our strongest ever. As the applications are received, wrestling accomplishments are verified and references are contacted. The Committee then makes a recommendation as to whether accept the application, deny it, or request additional information be obtained. Also, we will be selecting the team in a different fashion this time. Plans are to announce a new team member every three days, beginning in early September, with the final few members announced once the application deadline has occured. We will post this information on a few wrestling forums, but you can also check for the announcements on our team Facebook page: 2014 Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team. This past summer marked the team’s 31st anniversary and wrestlers from 10 states participated. The team finished 12-1 in dual meets, losing only a Greco Roman match in Colorado Springs. In all, the team wrestled in 8 states and Canada. Besides the wrestling, the team also experienced a great number of fun things along the way, including: Alpine Slide, Blue Man Group, Kayaking at Lake Tahoe, Grand Teton National Park, Huntington Beach, Seattle Mariners game, Oldies Show, seeing the Broadway shows “Wicked” and “Rock of Ages,” Cirque du Soliel, Hollywood, Disneyland, Rose Bowl, hiking up Rendezvous Mountain, Space Needle, white water rafting, tubing and much more. If you are interested in applying for the 2014 team, an application is attached. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at 614-507-1653. You may also contact any of the parents listed below, as they will be able to provide first hand information as to how the trip benefitted their child. Yours in Wrestling, Bart Freidenberg Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team bdbop@aol.com 614-507-1653 2013 Team Kevin & Bronnie Cabezas - Metheun, MA (son, Matt, was 13 and a 6th grader) 781-883-5239 Josh Gelvin - Greenville, PA (son, Aarron, was 14 and a 7th grader) 814-720-3420 John & Pam Nash - Triadelphia, WV (son, John, was13 and a 7th grader) 304-547-9613 Kelly Hicks - Springboro, OH (son, Jakob, was 15 and a 9th grader) 937-885-7685 Chris & Mary Reichert - Mechanicsburg, PA (son, Cade, was 13 and a 6th grader) 717-525-1759 Note: Another son, Cal, toured with the team in 2012, as a 7th grader Tammy Saylor - Easton, PA (son, Jimmy, was 15 and a 9th grader) 610-392-7952 Dean Walendzak - Bloomington, IN (son, Lukasz, was 13 and a 7th grader) 419-348-2593 Note: Lukasz also was a member of the 2012 Ohio All-Star Team Beth Ward - Goshen, OH (son, Jordan, was 13 and a 7th grader) 419-236-1556 Note: Jordan was the third brother to tour with the team (Joey, 5th grade & Jacoby 8th grade) James & Deborah Wilson - Quarryville, PA (son, A.J., was 13 and a 7th grader) 717-629-1737 2012 Team Marsha Coleman - Pittsgrove, NJ (son, George, was a 6th grader) 856-205-1980 Dom D’Emilio - Curtice, OH (son, Dylan, was a 6th grader) 419-836-6416 Mark & Amanda Adams - Eaton, OH (son, Michael May, was a 9th grader) 937-533-1771 Patrick & Mindy Romero - Mechanicsburg, OH (son, Kaleb, was a 7th grader) 937-869-0547 Bob & Mindy Steer - Salem, OH (son, Matt, was a 7th grader) 330-537-9939 2013 Quotes “I think the trip was honestly one of the best things that I have ever done. This trip has taught me so much. It teaches you how to deal with other kids, how to manage money and many other things. Personally, I think the experience was fantastic. More than half of the stuff we did, I will never have the chance to do again. At the end of the trip, you have 20 new brothers. The wrestling was fantastic and I learned so much. I’ll never forget this trip and I’ll have memories that will last a lifetime.” Matt Cabezas (MA), 2013 Ohio TofC-7th place “Picking Aarron up last night was a little bittersweet. While his whole family was excited to see him, we couldn’t help but feel a bit sad that this trip was over for him and his family of brothers. He talked almost nonstop on the 3.5 hour car ride home. Stories being told, questions being answered, showing us all the shirts he got and souvenirs he brought home. Finally seeing him after 40+ long day and nights, only reassured us that we made the right decision when deciding to raise the money and send him on this trip of a lifetime. Most kids this age don’t get experience’s like our boys were given. The memories and friendships made are priceless and well worth the “price of admission”. We know that Aarron got more than he bargained for on this trip. In addition to growing and developing in wrestling, this trip was quite the eye opener and learning experience for him. Just in the very short time we have had him back home we can see a change. Sent away a young boy, come back a young man – lol!. He got what this trip was about and we feel he took every experience for what it was worth, whether it was his favorite or not – it was something to appreciate!” Josh Gelvin (PA) (son Aarron) took 6th at the 2013 PJW’s. “The OASWT trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For those of you who don’t think this trip has enough wrestling, you are definitely wrong. Don’t let the cultural part of the trip fool you. This trip has a lot to offer, competitively, for anyone trying to excel in wrestling.” Jakob Ottaway (OH), 2013 High School District Qualifier “Prior to this trip, I was nervous that I wouldn’t b able to deal with the younger and smaller kids. Being an only child, this trip really did help me to not only include others, but I also learned to get along with my smaller teammates, as they were my own “little brothers.” Now, looking back on the trip, I realize all the things I have now done and probably never get to do again. This was definitely a once in a lifetime experience and I am so glad I was able to spend it with such a great team.” Jimmy Saylor (PA), 2012 Ohio TofC Champion 2012 Quotes “The trip was an awesome experience for me. I have learned so much in just a short period of time. I learned how to do laundry, new wrestling moves, how to work together as a team and also learned more responsibility. One thing that I love is that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I will remember this my whole life.” Kaleb Romero (OH), 6X OAC State Champion and 4X Ohio TofC Champion. “The trip was a tremendous experience for my son and our family. Through Facebook, text messages, and phone calls, my wife and I felt like we were experiencing the trip with our son. He saw and did more on the trip than most have experienced in a lifetime. Through the trip, I believe has built a lifetime of friendships, developed life skills, improved his wrestling, and improved on the mental aspects of wrestling. The boys are already plotting to get together at national wrestling tournaments. It’s a trip he will always remember and cherish.” Dom D’Emilio (son Dylan), 2012 OAC State Champion - dom.demilio@genoawrestling.com “This trip meant the world to me. When I got the letter in the mail that said I was accepted on this trip, I was ecstatic. This trip was truly a life changing experience. This trip opened my eyes and really made me appreciate my parents a lot more than I already do. How much money they spend on me is ridiculous. I had no idea how much a burger and some fries cost at a fast food restaurant. “I can’t even begin to explain how much this trip change my life. It really hit me when we were literally above the clouds at Rendezvous Mountain. That’s when I said “I will never do anything like this ever again in my life.” This trip was the most fun/challenging thing of my life. There was not one boring part of this trip. “If I could do this trip again, there would be no hesitation. You make so many new friends on this trip and the fun part about it is that we all have different stories, different backgrounds that you learn about 26 different people and it’s an amazing experience. As soon as you get on that plane, you are bonding and making new friends. “I will never forget landing in Denver and literally out the airport windows, at the airport, you could see mountains and I’ve never seen mountains before and it was an awesome feeling. You go from seeing cornfields all day to all of a sudden these gigantic mountains. It’s just an amazing trip. It’s truly life changing.” Michael May (OH), 2011 OAC State Champion & 2012 6th in OHSAA State Championships OHIO ALL-STAR WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS (by state): OH: 355 - most recent 2013 PA: 61 - most recent 2013 NJ: 26 0- most recent 2012 MD: 13 - most recent 2006 MI: 10 - most recent 2001 NY: 10 - msot recent 2003 MA: 10 - most recent 2013 WV: 9 most recent 2013 DE: 7 - most recent 2007 IN: 5 - most recent 2013 CT: 3 - most recent 2008 RI: 3 - most recent 2013 IL: 3 - most recent 2013 NC: 3 - most recent 2012 VA: 2 - most recent 2001 NH: 2 - most recent 2004 CA: 1 - most recent 1985 CO: 1 - most recent 2004 VT: 1 - most recent 2006 WY: 1 - most recent 2007 KA: 1 - most recent 2013 KY: 1 - most recent 2013 WI: 1 - most recent 2013

***Non Ohio Wrestlers May Apply For This Team*** The Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team has two openings for this summer's wrestling tour. Ideally, we are looking for a wrestler that will be 80-85 and one that will be 125-130 come summer. However, all weights will be considered. Those interested in need to currently be enrolled in the 6th-9th grade and have at least a 2.5 (B-/C+ grade point average). This summer marks the Ohio All-Star's 31st year and more than 600 of the top youth wrestlers, from Ohio and neighboring states, have participated as a member of this team. This summer, four alumni will return to coach the team: Mark Jayne, former 3X State Champion at Lakewood St. Edward & All America at the University of Illinois; Brad Harris, former State Champion at Pickerington, where he is the current Head Coach; and Eddie Jayne, former 3X State Champion at Lakewood St. Edward. He also wrestled for Penn State and most recently coached at Watkins Memorial High School. This year's team roster already includes several state and national champs/place winners and currently represents 9 states (including 1 wrestlers from IN) Dates for this year's tour are: June 15-August 6 and include a team training camp, featuring 3X World Champion Lee Kemp, as well. OASWT Alumni include: Scott Hinkel-Current Head Coach at Purdue University Drew Pariano-Current Head Coach at Northwestern University Shawn Nelson-Current Head Coach at Findlay University Sean Doyle-Current Head Coach at Wheeling Jesuit NCAA Champions: Alan Fried (Oklahoma State), Rex Holman (Ohio State), Sheldon Thomas (Clarion), Ryan Bertin (Michigan), Corey Kline (Ashland), Kevin Hardy (Oklahoma City-NAIA), Kenny Anderson (Wartburg) This year's team is scheduled to wrestle in the following cities: Jackson, WY; Spokane, WA; Seattle, WA; Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada); Eugene, OR; Reno, NV; Oakdale, CA; Simi Valley, CA; Covina, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Colorado Springs, CO; Denver, CO and Salt Lake City, UT Besides wrestling, activities planned include: Blue Man Group, Hoover Dam, Space Needle, Mount Rainier, Pikes Peak, Olympic Training Center, Cirque du Soliel, Rock of Ages, Water parks, Pacific Ocean, Whitewater Rafting and much more. If interested in receiving an application, please contact Bart Freidenberg at bdbop@aol.com or 614-507-1653. We hope to fill the spots as soon as possible.

Actually, the wrestler can have a summer weight of anywhere from 70-145 pounds, as we do have at least one wrestler that should be around 85 pounds come summer time. already.

The Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team, which will celebrate its 31st Anniversary next summer, has just one spot they are still looking to fill. The spot is for a wrestler with an estimated weight of near 85 pounds next summer. To be considered for the spot, which the team hopes to fill by this weekend, a wrwestler must currently be enrolled in the 6th-9th grade and have a minimum of a B-/C+ grade point average. Next summer, the team will participate on a cross country wrestling tour out west. Other lightweights currently on the roster include: Julian Tagg (Westshore Youth)...2012 OYL, OURWAY and OAC Champion Gabriel Tagg (Westshore Youth)...2X OYL Runner Up Lukasz Walendzak (Indiana)...2nd at 2011 Ohio TofC; 9X State Champ Samuel Fair (Indiana)...11X Indiana State Champion Cade Reichart (PA)...8th at 2012 Ohio TofC Aarron Gelvin (PA)...7th at 2012 PJW's Abe Bloom (RI)...4th at 2012 Ohio TofC Those interested in the opening should contact Team Chairman Bart Freidenberg at either bdbop@aol.com or 614-507-1653.

Dear Potential 2013 Ohio All-Star Team Members & Parents, You are invited to the following site to view photos from this past year's Ohio All-Star tour. Hopefully this will allow those of you, who are considering applying for the team, to understand a bit more about what goes on during the tour. http://ohioallstarwrestlingteam.shutterfly.com/ Again, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Yours in Wrestling, Bart Freidenberg OASWT

I thought I would comment on two additional concerns I have heard from some folks: the length and cost of the trip LENGTH Back in 1983, the trip was only three weeks in length, and cost close to $2000. Over the years, it eventually expanded to the current six weeks (it was actually seven weeks in 2007, our 25th year, as we added a week in Hawaii). Keep in mind that these kids generally do not know each other before they meet up at the training camp, just prior to the start of the tour and it generally takes a couple of weeks before they really started to get to know everyone on the team. We have found that this generally occurs about three weeks into the trip and is when the team starts to behave more like a family, than just a team. This is also really when they start to learn a lot of life lessons, such as budgeting their money, being able to get along with each other and the art of compromise and toleration. While kids always enjoyed returning home to see their families, there was no difference between them being on the road three or six weeks. In fact, most all said they thought the six weeks were perfect. I can tell you that their being away is much harder on the parents, than on the wrestlers themselves, as we keep them extremely busy on the trip. Also, we found that most of the expenses on the trip were upfront ones, that would have to be paid regardless of the length of the trip. So, the additional weeks added only minimal expenses. A three week tour now would run about $3000 and the six week tour runs about $4500. Now that we have done several six week tours, it is also tough to try to figure out what (cities and sightseeing) to eliminate from the tour, should we cut the trip length in half. We could easily cut things out and make the tour 90% wrestling. But, if you ask the wrestlers what they appreciated most about the trip, it was the opportunity to actually have the chance to visit the sites of the places we visited. In fact, the most vivid memories of past team members is not of the wrestling, but of the fun things they saw and did with their teammates. COST The other major concern folks have is the cost of the tour. What they don't realize is that most can raise the money. The main problem here is that folks don't know how to raise the money, or really don't want to put the effort into doing so. Remember, we have had more than 600 wrestlers go on this trip in the past and raise the money. So, it can be done. We do provide a packet of materials to help and also go over ideas that families have used successfully in the past. Yes, $4500 sounds like a lot, but you can break that amount into smaller parts to work on it. That's only 225 folks donating $20 each, which doesn't sound as daunting of a task anymore, especially when you know some folks are going to donate more than that. How about some sort of $5 product (several kids used wristbands this past year) that they can sell. Selling 200 of those to friends can generate close to $1000. We also provide some opportunities at the TofC, and some families have raised more than $500 selling raffle tickets and helping in the t-shirt area. One other thing folks fail to think about is that there are others,that generally would be willing to help, should you ask. Folks like to help support kids in their quests, but often need to be asked to do so. A wrestler in a middle school, or youth program, probably has 100 other wrestling families in their community that can probably help in some fashion, if asked. There are also friends and family members that also can help out. In a small community? Well, you will find that is often easier to raise the funds, as the entire community enjoys supporting someone from their area. So, where all does the money go? Below is an estimate of expenses, based on a $4500 per wrestler budget Airfare $550 Equipment $700 Sightseeing $700 Meal Money $650 Rental Vehicles & Gas $600 Lodging $700 Team Camp $200 Exchange Gifts $200 Photos/Videos/Certificates $100 Coaches $200 Miscellaneous $100 Hopefully that answers some additional questions you may have about the team. Bart Freidenberg 614-833-5885

Attention Parents, Coaches and Wrestlers, Just a quick reminder that applications for the 2013 Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team are due by October 17. Wrestlers interested in applying should currently be enrolled in the 6th-9th grade, have an estimated summer weight of 65-145 pounds and have at least a B-/C+ grade point average. Non Ohio wrestlers may apply and on average about half the team are from other states. Next summer will mark the team's 31st year. Since 1983, more than 600 of the top youth wrestlers, from Ohio and other states, have participated as a member of this team. Team alumni have won close to 200 state high school titles, 25+ USA Cadet/Junior National titles and several NCAA champions, place winners and qualifiers. For an application, or if you should have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at bdbop@aol.com Yours in Wrestling, Bart Freidenberg 2012 Quotes: ?We highly recommend this trip. It was extremely well organized. The boys had excellent coaching and mentoring. The friendships made, the sights seen, the opportunity for growth both as a wrestler and as a young man, the life lessons that were learned; it was a once in a lifetime experience!? Bob & Mindy Steer (son Matthew, age 14, 2012 Ohio TofC Runner Up) mindysteer@gmail.com ?The trip was an awesome experience for me. I have learned so much in just a short period of time. I learned how to do laundry, new wrestling moves, how to work together as a team and also learned more responsibility. One thing that I love is that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I will remember this my whole life.? Kaleb Romero (OH), 6X OAC State Champion and 4X Ohio TofC Champion. ?The trip was a tremendous experience for my son and our family. Through Facebook, text messages, and phone calls, my wife and I felt like we were experiencing the trip with our son. He saw and did more on the trip than most have experienced in a lifetime. Through the trip, I believe has built a lifetime of friendships, developed life skills, improved his wrestling, and improved on the mental aspects of wrestling. It?s a trip he will always remember and cherish.? Dom D?Emilio (son Dylan, age 12, 2012 OAC State Champ) dom.demilio@genoawrestling.com "Making friends and becoming a better wrestler was great, but the most important part of the trip was the life lessons we learned. I learned how to manage money, do laundry and how to rely on myself instead of my parents. I would never have learned these lessons at such a young age if I wasn?t on this trip. I want to thank the coaches for teaching me these lessons, because I wouldn?t be as responsible if they weren?t guiding us along the way. This trip was definitely inexperience of a lifetime. I will never forget the friends I made, the places I went and the life lessons I learned.? Garrett O?Shea, age 15, Butler, NJ (2012 NJ Kids State Runner-Up)

Dear Parents, Coaches & Wrestlers, The Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team is now accepting applications for both the 2013 and 2014 summer teams. Interested wrestlers must be enrolled in the 6th-9th grades during the year prior to them being a part of the team and must have at least a 2.5 G.P.A. Non Ohio wrestlers may apply and wrestlers from 20 states have participated, (and nearly 600 wrestlers), since the team began in 1983. This past summer marked the team?s 30th anniversary and wrestlers from 8 states participated. The team finished 16-0 in dual meets, while wrestling matches in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California. Besides the wrestling, the team also experienced a great number of fun things along the way, including: Alpine Slide, Blue Man Group, Kayaking at Lake Tahoe, Yellowstone National Park, Santa Monica Beach, Colorado Rockies game, practicing at the Olympic Training Center, Oldies Show, seeing the Broadway shows ?Wicked? and ?Hairspray,? Cirque du Soliel, Hollywood, attending a taping of ?Austin & Ally,? Disneyland, Rose Bowl, hiking up Rendezvous Mountain, meeting NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry and 5X Olympic Gold Medalist Eric Heiden and much more If you are interested in applying for either the 2013, or 2014 team, please contyact me and I will e-mail you an application.. If you have any questions, please feel free ask, or contact any of the parents from this past year?s team (names and e-mails can be provided upon request). Bart Freidenberg bdbop@aol.com 614-833-5885 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes from 2012 Team Members: ?This trip was a really good and fun learning experience for me. It definitely improved my wrestling. It helped me learn how to manage my money. It also helped me learn how to be independent and be able to make decisions on my own. This trip also teaches you how to make new friends. The trip improved my conditioning a lot too. This trip taught me a lot. Also, there is a lot of fun things that you do on this trip. You go to at least 10 amazing places that most people won?t ever be able to see in a lifetime. You will end up being really close to your teammates that you?ll do lots of fun things with them. The most fun thing that I think we did was go to Disneyland. There is going to be lots of fun things that you?ll do. Right now, you might think that you?ll really miss your family. But, really you do so many fun things that you don?t miss them that much. Raising money is a little tough, but I went to sponsors for money, sold raffle tickets and bracelets. It is best to start out early. Also, the coaches are really nice and your teammates become your brothers. I really think you should do this trip because I had a really fun time.? Dylan D?Emilio, age 12, Curtice, OH (2012 OAC State Champion) ?This trip meant the world to me. When I got the letter in the mail that said I was accepted on this trip, I was ecstatic. This trip was truly a life changing experience. This trip opened my eyes and really made me appreciate my parents a lot more than I already do. How much money they spend on me is ridiculous. I had no idea how much a burger and some fries cost at a fast food restaurant. I can?t even begin to explain how much this trip change my life. It really hit me when we were literally above the clouds at Rendezvous Mountain. That?s when I said ?I will never do anything like this ever again in my life.? This trip was the most fun/challenging thing of my life. There was not one boring part of this trip. If I could do this trip again, there would be no hesitation. You make so many new friends on this trip and the fun part about it is that we all have different stories, different backgrounds that you learn about 26 different people and it?s an amazing experience. As soon as you get on that plane, you are bonding and making new friends. I will never forget landing in Denver and literally out the airport windows, at the airport, you could see mountains and I?ve never seen mountains before and it was an awesome feeling. You go from seeing cornfields all day to all of a sudden these gigantic mountains. It?s just an amazing trip. It?s truly life changing. Michael May, age 15, Eaton, OH (2011 OAC State Champion & 6th at OHSAA States in 2012) The Trip of a Lifetime ?How would you feel being away from home for 44 days with no help from any adults? At first, it sounds scary and crazy. However, after touring the Western United States for 44 days with the Ohio All-Star Team, I realize that it is not crazy at all. It is an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget. When I arrived at camp, I was pretty nervous about this trip. I didn?t know anybody on the team and I didn?t know if I was going to be successful on the wrestling mat. Now that the trip is over, I can say I made 26 new friends, got a lot better at wrestling and learned life lessons I will never forget. When you spend 44 days with 26 other people, you almost have to make friends. After spending so much time with the same people, we all became not only friends, but a family. With our new friends, we got to experience things I never thought I would do. I never thought I would visit Lake Tahoe, but it was the most beautiful water I have ever swam in. White water rafting sounded scary at first, but it was one of the most fun things I have ever done. The hike up Rendezvous Mountain was tiring, but the view above the clouds was amazing. When I was above the clouds it really hit me that I was experiencing things I would never forget. I cherished this moment, even though it felt like my legs were going to collapse. Along with the unforgettable sightseeing, I became a way better wrestler. If I was home, I wouldn?t be wrestling nearly as much. Also, I wouldn?t of had as good of workout partners back home. On the tip, you are wrestling with some of the best wrestlers on the East Coast. You are also with top notch coaches. With great wrestlers and coaches, you are almost guaranteed to become a better wrestler. Making friends and becoming a better wrestler was great, but the most important part of the trip was the life lessons we learned. I learned how to manage money, do laundry and how to rely on myself instead of my parents. I would never have learned these lessons at such a young age if I wasn?t on this trip. I want to thank the coaches for teaching me these lessons, because I wouldn?t be as responsible if they weren?t guiding us along the way. This trip was definitely inexperience of a lifetime. I will never forget the friends I made, the places I went and the life lessons I learned.? Garrett O?Shea, age 15, Butler, NJ (2012 NJ Kids State Runner-Up) ?I enjoyed the trip and it has taught me many things about life and responsibility.? - Isaiah Bailey (RI) ?I thought the trip would really help prepare me for my freshman year. It was fun and a great experience. I will always remember the Ohio All-Star Team of 2012.? - Shae Bloom, age 14, 2011 PJW State Champion (PA) ?This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The trip helped me not only in the life part of it, but wrestling, as I learned a lot of new technique.? Mason Brainard (OH) ?The trip was an amazing experience. We saw so much stuff.? George Coleman (NJ) ?I learned how to spend my money wisely, how to do laundry and how to be responsible for my own actions.? Dylan DiSano (RI) ?The friends I made, people I met along the way, wrestling moves I learned and memories I made are priceless.? Brendan Howard (PA) ?What I liked about the trip is that you get to meet so many people and make new friends.? Jaret Lester (OH) ?The trip was great. I wish I could do it again.? Tyler McCafferty (OH) ?The trip was pure amazing. Meeting 26 new teammates, who are now super close friends to me, was crazy cool. The trip also taught me how to grow up.? Brakan Mead (OH) ?This trip meant to me becoming more responsible. There was also a lot more wrestling than I thought there would be. Overall, I liked the trip and made a lot of new friends.? Austin O?Connor, age 14, 2X Ohio TofC Champion & 2X Trinity Award Winner (IL) ?The trip was awesome - I wish I could do it again. The trip has changed my life in many ways, like wrestling, attitude and this trip made more more polite. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.? Ronnie Pietro (OH) ?The experience was spectacular!? Cal Reichart (PA) ?The trip was an awesome experience for me. I have learned so much in just a short period of time. I learned how to do laundry, new wrestling moves, how to work together as a team and also learned more responsibility. One thing that I love is that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I will remember this my whole life.? Kaleb Romero (OH), 6X OAC State Champion and 4X Ohio TofC Champion. ?I really improved as a wrestler. It was really cool being able to practice with and compete against some of the best kids in the nation. Being selected to the team was a big honor for me. I really felt like I represented my school and hometown and was proud of that. The trip helped me in a lot of ways - from laundry to maturity.? Matt Steer (OH) ?The trip made a big impact on my wrestling career. It made me a better leader, wrestler and all around better person.? Dylan Taylor, age 15, WV State Runner Up as a Freshman (WV) ?I think this trip helped me to become a better wrestler. I was practicing with the best kids and learning from the best coaches. Overall, this trip made me a better wrestler and person. It is an experience that I will never forget.? Brad Trescott (OH) ?What I liked best about this trip was meeting new long distance friends that I will see around at various events.? Jacoby Ward (OH) Thoughts from Parents ?We are counting our blessings that Cal had the opportunity to travel with the team. While I feel there were many benefits of the trip, I'll limit my comments to those that stand out to me. Not only did Cal experience parts of the country he may not visit otherwise, he also learned the value of a dollar, both with fundraising and with being responsible with money on the trip. In addition, I am impressed that he seems to have matured when speaking to adults. Recently an elderly couple he met noticed his shirt and asked him, "What is the Ohio All Star Wrestling team?" He answered them with a maturity I hadn't seen from him before, speaking clearly, looking at both of them, and answering in detail, emphasizing only the team's achievements. His father and I are impressed with the organization of the trip which combines wrestling with an abundance of adventure!? Mary Reichart (son Cal, age 14, 2011 PA SJW State Runner Up)) Momary98@yahoo.com ?The trip was a tremendous experience for my son and our family. Through Facebook, text messages, and phone calls, my wife and I felt like we were experiencing the trip with our son. He saw and did more on the trip than most have experienced in a lifetime. Through the trip, I believe has built a lifetime of friendships, developed life skills, improved his wrestling, and improved on the mental aspects of wrestling. The boys are already plotting to get together at national wrestling tournaments. It?s a trip he will always remember and cherish.? Dom D?Emilio (son Dylan, age 12, 2012 OAC State Champ) dom.demilio@genoawrestling.com ?We just wanted to say : Thank you in the biggest way possible, for letting George have the most wonderful experience this summer! Not only was the trip a dream, but the wrestling friends he made with everyone was amazing! He wasn't in the hotel fast enough from the plane, testing everyone to say how he enjoyed things and missed them already! He has been in contact with the coaches and is planning on a trip to the Super 32 hoping everyone else comes! He hasn't stopped with telling us all, about the wonderful time he had. He wants to do this again next year! It had to be amazing if that's what he wants! Maybe we can come out next time! You did a wonderful job with planning and taking care of everything! That right there, is a job! But most of all a JOB WELL DONE!!!! Words just cant express how we feel! I could go on and on, Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!? George & Marsha Coleman (son George, age 12, NJ Kids State Placer) reebtraf@comcast.net ?We highly recommend this trip. It was extremely well organized. The boys had excellent coaching and mentoring. The friendships made, the sights seen, the opportunity for growth both as a wrestler and as a young man, the life lessons that were learned; it was a once in a lifetime experience!? Bob & Mindy Steer (son Matthew, age 14, 2012 Ohio TofC Runner Up) mindysteer@gmail.com "An exceptional journey and growth experience for young men. Every young wrestler should get to experience this.? Jason Prunest (son Hayden, age 13) - jason.prunest@yahoo.com Listed below are links to three daily videos from this past year?s team. Yellowstone Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uQ9DcT5omg&feature=em-share_video_user Lake Tahoe video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhEkl-TJqdg&feature=em-share_video_user Disneyland video (part 1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OleBBKXIsxU&feature=em-share_video_user

BE A PART OF WRESTLING HISTORY For More Information Contact: Bart Freidenberg at bart@ohiotofc.com or 614-833-5885 OHIO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS AIMS FOR WORLD RECORD ***8 NCAA CHAMPIONS ARE TOFC ALUMS*** ***Girl's High School Division (7th and 8th graders may choose to wrestle here) March 20, 2012...Columbus, OH......YOU can be a part of wrestling history, as The Ohio Tournament of Champions aims to set a new World Record, with 4000 individual entries. This year's event, scheduled for April 21 at the Columbus Convention Center, in Columbus, OH, will mark the TofC's 20th Anniversary. Already, entries from 22 states, and as far away as California, have been received and submissions have been entered from several others (registered but not paid yet). According to Event Chairman Bart Freidenberg, the entries are coming in better than the past few years. "There are so many national level events that kids can do these days, that people now tend to wait to the last minute to enter any of them," Freidenberg said. "Still, we are ahead of where we have been the past several years. Plus, we already have at least 100 more wrestlers that are part of large groups that won't show up as accepted until the group administrator pays for the entire team." "I'm starting to hear from several more groups that are planning on coming and just wanted to know how to do the group registration process," said Freidenberg, adding that recent groups contacting him have come from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Hawaii.He also added that submissions (those who have entered individually, and have not yet paid) are also way ahead of past years as well, and include wrestlers from at least 10 additional states not already represented. The TofC has always been known for the quality of the wrestlers competing and that was proved at this weekend's NCAA Division I National Championships, as eight of the champions, and four of the runner ups, were past TofC competitors. 125 pounds: Nico Megaludis, 2nd place 133 pounds: Logan Stieber (6X TofC Champ), CHAMPION; Jordan Oliver, 2nd Place 141 pounds: Kellen Russell, CHAMPION 149 pounds: Frank Molinaro, CHAMPION 157 pounds: Kyle Dake, CHAMPION 165 pounds: David Taylor (2X Ohio TofC Champ), CHAMPION 174 pounds: Ed Ruth, CHAMPION 184 pounds: Steve Bosak, CHAMPION; Quentin Wright, 2nd Place 197 pounds: Cam Simaz, CHAMPION 285 pounds: Zachery Rey, Runner Up "Right after Kyle Dake won the NCAA's this year, I messaged his dad and told him that we would love to have Kyle as guest at our 2013 event (college wrestlers cannot appear until after they have used up their collegiate eligibility)," Freidenberg said. "He messaged back and said that he would let Kyle know, but also said that he had recently been looking at some of our past programs and that they were like a "who's who of college wrestling." ***Dake wrestled at the Ohio TofC several years. According to past results, he placed four times, with his lone Championship coming in 2005, at Schoolboy 92. In other years, he placed 4th in 2002, at Junior 73 (Collin Palmer, from Ohio took first and future NCAA Champion Jordan Oliver took second); 4th in 2003 at Junior 80 (Trey Adamson, of NM took first); and 6th in 2004, at Schoolboy 84 (NCAA Champion David Taylor took first). To register for this year's Ohio TofC, you can go to ohiotofc.com and click on registration. Among the various ways to qualify are: *All past TofC Champions *TofC top 8 (past two years) *All High School Wrestlers *All Cadet Wrestlers (those born in 1997 or earlier) *All Open (Post High School) or Girl's High School Division ---Open Division Entries and Submissions are currently way up based on past events *Any wrestler with 10+ match wins this season (includes open tournaments) *Top 6 at any National Level event (past 2 years) *Top 4 at any state or regional event (past 2 years) *Top 3 at any League Championship (past 2 years) *Champion at ANY Tournament (other than those specifically for beginners) this season *Top 3/4 at any Official Ohio TofC Qualifier *Any wrestler that has qualified for their State Youth Tournament that has a qualification process *Wrestlers who resides in a state with no qualifiers, or that lives more than 50 miles from the nearest qualifying event. Groups entering 8 or more wrestlers are also eligible for a Group/Team Discount this year. However, one individual needs to enter all of the wrestlers in, under one user name/password, and pay for them with one transaction. For more information on group rates, go to: http://ohiotofc.com/TournamentInform...eamInformation All entries are due by April 14, at 9 pm (EST), unless the event reaches its maximum number of competitors prior to that.

The Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team has an opening for at least one, and possibly two, wrestlers for this summer's 30th Anniversary Tour. Those interested in applying, need to currently be in the 6th-9th grades and have an estimated summer weight of 65-145 pounds. If you are interested, please contact me at bdbop@aol.com and I will e-mail you an application. We hope to finalize these spots by February 10. This year's tour will take place from June 16-August 7 and will include about 14 dual meets in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, California and Nevada, as well as a one week training camp. A total of 27 wrestlers will be on the team and the roster includes several Ohio TofC, Tulsa, OAC, OURWAY and PJW champions and place winners. Past team members have included many of the top youth wrestlers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Michigan, Indiana and other Eastern and Midwest states. If you have any questions, you can contact me at 614-507-1653. Yours in Wrestling, Bart Freidenberg OASWT Current roster: Weight Name Hometown Birthdate Grade Accomplishments 70 Lukasz Walendzak Bloomington, IN 4/7/2000 6 2011 2nd at Ohio Tournament of Champions; ISWA Triple Crown 77 Dylan D?Emilio Curtis, OH 11/22/1999 6 2011 Ohio Elementary State Champion 78 Mason Turner Chanute, KS 1/16/1999 7 2X Tulsa Champion and Most Valuable Wrestler 80 George Coleman Pittsgrove, NJ 4/19/2000 6 2nd Place War at the Shore; 6th place NJ Kids State 80 Mason Brainard Mogadore, OH 12/18/1997 8 2009 Ohio Youth State Champ and 2008 Runner Up 82 Ronnie Pietro Hudson, OH 5/7/1999 6 OURWAY State Runner Up; 2X OAC State Placer 85 Brakan Mead Pataskala, OH 8/20/1998 7/8 5th at Ohio Tournament of Champions 86 Hayden Prunest Beavercreek, OH 1/6/1999 7 2nd place at the Arnold Classic 86 Alec Saunders Lancaster, OH 2/9/1999 7 5th at 2011 OURWAY State 88 Justin Mitchell Salem, OH 4/18/1999 7 3rd place at 2010 NUWAY Nationals 93 Dante Veltri Chapel Hill, NC 9/10/1998 8 2X Bergen County District Champion 98 Garrett O?Shea Butler, NJ 6/23/1997 8 NHSCA Nationals Runner Up 100 Cal Reichart Hummelstown, PA 4/25/1998 7 2011 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Runner Up 105 Shae Bloom Curwensville, PA 10/14/1997 8 2011 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Champion 105 Austin O?Connor Lockport, IL 5/14/1998 7/8 2X Tournament of Champions Champion; 2X Trinity Award 105 Owen Wherley Spring Grove, PA 10/11/1997 8 2011 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Runner Up 112 Isaiah Bailey Westerly, RI 6/6/1999 7 2011 3rd at Ohio Tournament of Champions 112 Nate Newberry York Springs, PA 12/2/1997 8 2011 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Runner Up 115 Jakob Woodley Pittsburgh, PA 5/21/1999 7 2011 4th at Ohio Tournament of Champions 120 Michael May Eaton, OH 2/28/1997 9 1st at OAC Junior High State; 2X Ohio TofC placer 122 Brendan Howard Uniontown, PA 7/19/1997 9 2X Placer at Ohio Tournament of Champions 125 Jaret Lester Apple Creek, OH 7/14/1998 7 2X Ohio Tournament of Champions top 4 135 Brandon McHugh Dublin, OH 12/23/1997 8 Former OAC Grade School & Tulsa Runner-Up 135 Kaleb Romero Mechanicsburg, OH 3/22/1998 7/8 4X Ohio TofC Champion; 6X OAC Champion 138 Jacoby Ward Goshen, OH 3/5/1997 8 2X Ohio Junior High State Qualifier 140 Dylan Taylor Wheeling, WV 4/4/1997 9 4X West Virginia State Champion; 2010 Tulsa Champion