The Winter Classic will NOT be hosted in the fall of 2000

The Winter Classic, a Senior-level international freestyle and Greco-Roman competition that has been held in Colorado Springs, Colo. each autumn in recent years will not be hosted in 2000, according to event director Rich Estrella.

Athletes who made plans to compete in the Winter Classic, which was tentatively listed for Nov. 10-12, should be alerted that the event will not be hosted this year. For additional information on the Winter Classic, contact Estrella at 719-573-4651.

The inability of international teams to attend, based upon the recent Olympic Games competition in Sydney, Australia, is the reason for the decision, according to Estrella. He expects that the event will again be held in the fall of 2001.

"Although we have recieved interest from athletes around the USA, the design of the Winter Classic is to be an international event," said Estrella. "We realize that many countries have committed a great deal of resources and monies to the Olympic effort. We will endeavor to host the Winter Classic for 2001."

Athletes seeking a quality fall international event should consider the Sunkist Kids/ASU International Open, which will be held at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Ariz., Nov. 3-5. Senior-level competition in men's freestyle and Greco-Roman and women's freestyle will be conducted. For information, contact Lee Roy Smith at 480-965-8113.