I need your help for wrestling. For the past 8 months I have been
working with the Naval Special Warfare (SEALS) in an attempt to get
them to endorse wrestling as one of the sports that produce great
special operation soldiers.
The SEALS are coming to Minnesota this week to endorse our dual meet
with Oklahoma State University on Wednesday and then on Sunday to run a
first-ever
Challenge/physical fitness test. It is special in that this elite
organization (SEALS) has picked Wrestling and Minnesota to kick off
this fitness challenge.
The purpose of the event which is called “The Trident Challenge” is
four fold.
1. To pursue excellence
2. To promote physical fitness
3. To provide youth a challenge and
4. To help promote high school athletics
We in wrestling are always talking about wrestling not getting its fair
share. People comment that wrestling is the toughest and most unique of
all sports. This Trident Challenge is Wrestling’s chance to get one of
the most elite organizations in the world to endorse us on a national
basis. I cannot emphasize how
important this can be for Wrestling – we need Wrestlers to come and
participate.
The SEALS are currently looking at high school sports to endorse.
Wrestling right now, is on their list of sports to promote on a
national basis. Minnesota has been chosen as a test market.
Wrestling can not buy this type of endorsement. Wrestling involvement
this Sunday will make a big impact on how our sport is received.
Wrestling involvement will effect our potential relationships with the
SEALS in the future. Wrestling doesn’t get many chances like this and
it is important you
get involved.
I’m not asking a lot from the wrestling community, but in my mind; this is a must. This is something
that can really help promote our sport and get us the recognition we
deserve.
What I need is: 350 wrestlers from around the state, to sign up and
take the Trident Challenge; go to www.TridentChallenge.com
all the information you need is there – for all of you over the age of
13 (boys and girls), plan to come to the University and take the
challenge! This
Sunday – December 10, 2006 from noon to 5 pm. The challenge
consists of swimming, push ups, sit ups, pull ups and a 1.5 mile run.
I know that we all have things going on, but wrestling needs this
endorsement by the SEALS and I’m asking for 3 hours this Sunday.
Wrestling does not get many opportunities for endorsements and if we
fail this Sunday I fear the SEALS will look elsewhere. We cannot lose
this opportunity!
I know you may have wrestled on Saturday, but get a Dad, a Mom, your
coach, an assistant coach – load up your cars with fellow teammates and
use the Challenge as a cross training workout. ITS FREE, you get a tee
shirt and you can sign up for a specific time slot to show up- to
avoiding waiting in line. The total time will only be 2 hours from when
you get to the aquatic center.
I need your help as a coach, assistant coach, mom, dad, team captain or
team member to make this happen. I cannot do it alone.
I have not written a letter like this in 20 years while here in
Minnesota. I know it's late, but we just found out a week ago – with a
little help from you, we can do this. I do believe if Wrestlers show up
in force on Sunday (we need
350 of you) the benefits for Wrestling in the future will be
enormous.
Go to www.Tridentchallenge.com
all the information is there, time slots, equipment needed, directions,
event standards and registration. You can register on line.
Believe me – if there are 350 wrestlers this Sunday wrestling will gain
an organization that will support us and that can do great things for
us.
I need your help to be part of a solution and to grow Wrestling – this
is a big step.
Thank you in advance for your time and commitment.
Sincerely,
J Robinson
Head Wrestling Coach
University Of Minnesota