Fresno, Calif. – November 17, 2010 – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) and California USA Wrestling are hosting the 45th Annual NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Marines as a fundraiser to assist in the preservation and development of collegiate wrestling in California. The NWCA All-Star Classic is built on 45 years of tradition and is unique from other wrestling tournaments. The Classic has evolved over the years, becoming a kick-off event for the college-wrestling season. It consistently draws wrestling enthusiasts and general sports fans with its intense matches between the highest-ranked collegiate wrestlers from across the nation. This year, the All-Star Classic will be held at the Selland Arena in Fresno, California on November 21.

The state’s struggling economy has left many casualties in its wake including a number of collegiate wrestling programs. The event and its cause are attracting support from high-profile athletes and corporate leaders alike.

The well-known and respected magnate, David S. Pottruck and 2008 Olympic wrestling gold medalist, Henry Cejudo are the featured speakers at the fundraising luncheon that precedes The 45^th Annual NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Marines. In addition, popular mixed martial arts fighters and former amateur wrestlers Mo Lawal and Daniel Cormier will attend the luncheon and tournament to help support wrestling. Also attending are the USA Wrestling executives and the USA Wrestling National Team Coaches.

David S. Pottruck is a high-profile corporate executive and author with a distinguished resume that includes membership in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame of the Hall of Outstanding Americans. He is the former president and chief executive officer for The Charles Schwab Corporation. Currently, he is the co-chairman of HighTower, a $14 billion nationwide wealth management firm. Pottruck co-authored the best seller, “Clicks and Mortar: Passion Driven Growth in an Internet Driven World” and has received numerous awards and accolades from a variety of notable organizations including “CEO of the Year” by Information Week and was the recipient of the Anti-Defamation League’s 2000 Torch of Liberty Award. Pottruck wrestled at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also served as an assistant coach.

Henry Cejudo achieved his dream of becoming an Olympic gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  At just 21, Mr. Cejudo made history by becoming the youngest American wrestler to ever bring home the gold. His amazing story of determination and triumph has won the hearts of America. The Cejudo wrestling shoe by adidas hit the stores in September 2009 and his highly- acclaimed autobiography; "American Victory" was released in January 2010. As a spokesperson for the Latino community and underprivileged children, Henry actively mentors to troubled youth and inner city kids across the country.

Also attending the luncheon and NWCA All-Star Classic are former amateur wrestlers and current Strikeforce mixed martial arts fighters Mo Lawal and Daniel Cormier. Mo Lawal, nicknamed “King Mo,” has amassed a record of seven wins and one loss as the former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion. His success is closely tied to his background in wrestling where he was a Big 12 Champion and Division 1 All-American in 2003 for Oklahoma State University. Lawal competed in the NWCA All-Star Classic at 197 pounds in 2003. Daniel Cormier wrestled also for Oklahoma State University where he was an NCAA runner-up. He has been on the last five United States World Wrestling teams and the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Wrestling Teams. Cormier continues to be a dominant athlete; using his wrestling background, he is undefeated after six fights.

Executives and coaches from USA Wrestling, the national governing body for the sport of wrestling and representative to the United States Olympic Committee, are attending the luncheon and tournament to demonstrate their solidarity. Those who will be attending are: Executive Director Rich Bender, National Greco-Roman Coach Steve Fraser, Assistant National Freestyle Coach Bill Zadick and National Women’s Coach Terry Steiner. Fraser was the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in Greco-Roman when he captured the 90 kg title at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Calif. Zadick won a World gold medal at 66 kg in freestyle wrestling at the 2006 World Championships in Guangzhou, China and was a NCAA champion for the Univ. of Iowa. Steiner was a nationally ranked freestyle wrestler and a NCAA champion for the Univ. of Iowa.

The 45th Annual NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Marines will be held at the Selland Arena in Fresno, California on Sunday, November 21, 2010. The doors open at 2 p.m. The luncheon will precede tournament. For more information about table sponsorship at the luncheon and purchasing tickets to the All-Star Classic, visit www.nwcaonline.com's event page.  

To donate to the aforementioned collegiate wrestling programs, visit http://nwca.ticketleap.net

About NWCA

The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and elevating the sport of amateur wrestling. NWCA provides leadership and guidance primarily to scholastic and collegiate wrestling programs, but is an advocate to all levels of wrestling. The NWCA promotes communication, recognizes achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events and serves as a resource for education and information pertaining to the sport of wrestling. Additionally, The NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of any competitive sport. For more information, visit http://www.nwcaonline.com.

About California USA Wrestling

California USA Wrestling is a non-profit organization committed to the success and health of their athletes and dedicated to the promotion and preservation of collegiate and international styles of amateur wrestling. As the official California affiliate of USA Wrestling, the national governing board for international-style amateur wrestling in the United States, the club is responsible for the organization and execution of sanctioned USA Wrestling events in the state. California USA Wrestling educates the community about the styles of wrestling and the value of being involved in the sport. They strive to provide fun, exciting and well-planned events and improve the quality of California wrestling at the competitive level. For more information, visit www.ca-usaw.org.