From Coach Bartram

The North Carolina Amateur Wrestling Association is the state association of the national governing body for the sport of wresting, USAW, for the state of North Carolina. Many people commonly refer to the NCAWA as NCUSAW. As The national governing body’s (NGB) representative, NCAWA operates in a non-profit status and supports and promotes all styles of wrestling in the state of North Carolina; ultimately to provide young men and women the opportunity to fulfill their competitive aspirations at the youth, high school, collegiate, international, and Olympic levels. The NCAWA provides opportunities for adults, high school, and youth wrestlers to compete in a structured setting in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the NGB. Among many events this year, NCAWA is proud to host an Elementary Folkstyle State Championship; North Carolina’s longest running Junior High Folkstyle State Championship; a Freestyle State Championship; a Greco-Roman State Championship; and a Beach Wrestling State Championship.

Wrestling in the state of North Carolina continues to benefit from consistent participation growth. NCAWA recently challenged itself to provide a more economical model to provide expanded folkstyle wrestling opportunities for youth and high school aged wrestlers. After months of research, followed by analysis and deliberate debate, NCAWA’s executive committee (made up of nine elected members) voted to adopt a new model for folkstyle wrestling. This model makes the NCAWA unique as an organization as it retains its affiliation with the NGB while outsourcing required folkstyle resources in order to provide North Carolina the best possible opportunities. This is not a break with the NGB, rather it strengthens our states position as the NGB affiliate by facilitating retention and growth of North Carolina’s wrestlers by providing a structure under which clubs can flourish, and everyone has an opportunity to participate in a process. We are very proud of our diverse board and staff which has over twenty-five positions that are filled by people that represent the diversity of our wrestling community.

Why make the change? Simply, NCAWA’s view is that a united North Carolina is a strong North Carolina. A strong North Carolina is one that fosters wrestling development no matter your affiliation. Our new folkstyle model opens up participation to members and non-members, creating greater opportunities for diverse competition, which strengthen our state’s wrestlers, and facilitates achievement of their goals. These goals may be as simple as staying healthy or as lofty as earning the title of State, National, World, or Olympic Champion. Whatever your goal, we welcome you to participate in our organization.

Please visit www.ncwrestling.org for more information. You may call or email NCAWA’s Administrative Director, Ed Duncan at 828-766-6363 or ad@ncwrestling.org for information as well.