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    Registration now open for 2018 InterMat Classic

    Registration is now open for the 2018 InterMat Classic high school wrestling tournament.

    The ninth edition of this popular preseason event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Edina High School, 6754 Valley View Road, in Edina, Minn.

    The 2018 InterMat Classic is open to wrestlers in grades 7-12. It will offer competition in 15 weight classes -- the 14 standard NHSF (National High School Foundation) weights, plus an additional 100-pound weight class.

    New name, new location

    Founded in 2010 as the InterMat JJ Classic, the 2018 edition of this fall tournament for junior high and high school wrestlers now sports a new name -- InterMat Classic -- and a new location, having relocated from Rochester, Minn. to Edina in the suburban Twin Cities, with easy access via major Interstate highways as well as from major airlines via Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

    "Rochester was a great home for our first eight years, but ultimately we wanted to move the event to the Twin Cities," said event chairman -- and InterMat website co-owner -- Andrew Hipps. "We believe Edina is a perfect fit for the InterMat Classic. Not only is it in a great location that is easy for people to get to and from, but Edina has very nice facilities. We are very excited about partnering with Edina and bringing the event to the Twin Cities."

    A history of great competition

    Now in its ninth year, the 2018 InterMat Classic has provided junior and senior high wrestlers with an unbeatable opportunity to test themselves against the best wrestlers from the Midwest ... and beyond, with past champions from all over the U.S., including California and Texas.

    Mark Hall celebrates after a win in the NCAA semifinals (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)

    Only one wrestler can claim five InterMat Classic titles: Mark Hall, 2017 NCAA champ for Penn State, tallied five straight InterMat Classic crowns as a wrestler at Minnesota's Apple Valley High School from 2011 through 2015.

    In 2017, Alex Lloyd of Shakopee, Minn. -- now as freshman at South Dakota State -- became a four-time InterMat Classic champion.

    Seth Gross after winning the NCAA title at 133 pounds (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)

    Other great wrestlers who have participated in the InterMat Classic in the past include:

  • Gable Steveson, Junior/Cadet world champ in freestyle and nation's No. 1 recruit in 2018
  • Seth Gross, NCAA champ for South Dakota State
  • Michael Kroells, NCAA All-American for Minnesota
  • Tommy Thorn, NCAA All-American for Minnesota
  • Mitchell McKee, Junior world silver medalist in freestyle
  • Sam Stoll, NCAA All-American for Iowa
  • Jake Waste, NCAA Division II champ for Cal Baptist
  • Lucas Jeske, NCAA Division III champ for Augsburg
  • Mason Manville, Cadet world champ in freestyle

    Great wrestling ... for a great cause

    Justin Kukowski
    Even though this tournament has a new name and a new location, one thing remains the same. As in the past, proceeds from the 2018 InterMat Classic will go to the Justin Kukowski Foundation, a foundation whose mission is to fund research, development, to provide complementary alternative therapies and psychological support for cancer patients. In addition, it provides scholarships to cancer patients in need.

    The Foundation is named in honor of Justin "JJ" Kukowski, an avid sports fan who passed away from cancer in 2007.

    "Justin was an amazing person who touched a lot of lives in the 27 years he was alive," according to Andrew Hipps. "We wanted to honor Justin through this event and raise money for an important cause."


    Register early and save

    Registration for the 2018 InterMat Classic opened on Saturday, Sept. 1 ... and extends right up until weigh-ins.

    However, there is a money-saving, early-bird registration special. The cost is $40 if you register during the month of September, and $50 if you register in October.

    For more information and to register, visit www.intermatwrestle.com/intermatclassic.
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