Ohio Tournament of Champions Sets Record
January 3, 2010
Columbus, OH......The Ohio Tournament of Champions has set a new December record for number of entries, with 19, eclipsing the old record of 13, reached in 2005. "I realize it's still rather early," TofC Chairman Bart Freidenberg said, "but it appears that we could be headed for a record number of entries this year." The current record is 3519, which was set in 2005. "Our first year of monitoring the entries was 1999 and we didn't reach 13 entries until the end of January, and we ended that year with nearly 3000 entries. So, I would say we are on course for a possible record."
This year's TofC is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, at the Columbus Convention Center, in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and the duals will be held on Sunday, April 25, in the same location.
Freidenberg added that he feels the Dual Meet concept, is a major reason for the expected influx of entries. "When you stop and consider that we have 114 teams entered into the Duals and that all those wrestlers will also be participating in the individual TofC on Saturday (April 24), you're already looking at close to 2000 entries.
Wrestlers representing at least 24 different states are schedule to compete in the Duals, including several teams from areas that have not attended the TofC in the past. "We have always had great representation from states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, New York, Maryland, Illinois and Virginia," said Freidenberg, "but now we are going to have some good numbers from some new states, such as California, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota."
The 114 dual meet spots closed out by the beginning of December, which surprised tournament organizers. "We got great feedback last year on the Duals," said Freidenberg, "but we still didn't think we would close out before this year's wrestling season started." Freidenberg added that they are now placing teams on a waiting list, should spots open up. "I would expect a few spots to open up, but not many," he said. "If a team is interested at all, they should contact us as soon as possible, to get a higher priority in case of an opening."
As for the individual TofC, Freidenberg said that they are currently planning on using 32 full size mats, which will be a record number for the event. All the mats will be housed under on roof at the Convention Center. In the past, may spectators have brought lawn chairs, blankets and even tents to set up in the open area in the hall. "We do have some spectator seating that we bring in," Freidenberg said, "but we also have a total of 220,000 square feet available to us in the Hall that we use. That allows us ample room for all the mats, vendors and spectators."
Also new this year is the ability to pay via credit card, via Paypal. "A lot of people suggested that we add this as an option and we listened to them," said Freidenberg. "So far, it has been the main way that people have chosen to pay." He added that individuals must still send in a copy of the wrestler's proof of date of birth (birth certificate), but can do it via fax, e-mail or regular mail and that entries are not accepted until such information is received.
"I expect that we may close out around April 10, but it could be earlier than that" said Freidenberg, "so I would suggest people not wait until the last minute. Every year I get a number of phone calls and e-mails from folks pleading their case, but once we close out we are closed out, regardless of who the wrestler is." He added that among those that have been closed out are returning champions, worker's kids and even wrestlers he has personally coached. "Understand, that we have deadlines and there are reasons we have to shut things off when we do. People that know me know that we are very strict with our closing date and know that it is nothing personal. Those that don't seem to want to plead and plead, but I can tell you, it doesn't work."
Now in it's 18th year, the Ohio TofC has become one of the premier youth wrestling tournaments in the country. Last year, five of the ten NCAA Champions were former TofC participants. As always, the TofC will continue to offer free spectator admission and does not require any coaches floor passes.
New for this year are the awards, which Freidenberg calls "extremely unique." "We're pretty well know for having awards that are considered more of a collectors item, than your typical award." In the past, this has meant such things a mini football helmets, crystals and desk clocks. "This year we have what I consider the most unique we have ever had and I think the wrestlers are really going to like them," said Freidenberg. "As usual, we have made sure to incorporate our tournament mascot and logo into the award and, for those wondering, it is more of a wrestling award than ever before. That's all I'm going to say right now, as I want it to be a surprise." He did however add that this year's mascot will be the kangaroo.
More information on the TofC and the TofC Duals can be found at www.ohiotofc.com.
Wow! With this kind of entry levels, you guys my be able to up the workers and mat pay-out to a full $1000! <jedi mind font on
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