Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) to partner with USA Bracketing for high school wrestling event and weight management

USA Wrestling and the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) have partnered for the use of USA Bracketing for all event, results, statistics and weight management beginning with the 2025-26 wrestling season.

With the partnership, all regional, sectional and State Tournament events in Alaska will utilize USA Bracketing. Additionally, all school-hosted dual meets and tournaments will be able to utilize the software at no additional cost for the school/host with the ability to stream to multiple providers with fully integrated graphics.

USA Bracketing will allow for event hosts to include multiple levels (varsity and junior varsity) of competition, while simultaneously running individual and dual meet competition in one single event.

"By adopting USA Wrestling’s Event Management Software, we’re giving our schools a powerful tool to simplify the administration of wrestling events. This system will streamline registration, bracketing, and results reporting, allowing coaches and administrators to focus more on supporting their athletes and less on paperwork," said Billy Strickland, ASAA Executive Director.

"Parents and families will also see the benefits of this change. With live scoring, accessible brackets, and easier access to event information, they’ll be more connected to their student’s wrestling experience than ever before. We’re excited about this partnership and the positive impact it will have statewide," he said.

Weight management includes weight assessments, descent plans and roster management that will adhere to the ASAA’s Wrestling Weight Management Plan.

“USA Wrestling is pleased to partner with the ASAA as it moves forward with our USA Bracketing event management software to enhance its high school wrestling organization and operations. USA Bracketing is designed to handle all of the technology needs for state associations, and our partnership with the ASAA will help both organizations to take its programs to the next level. We thank the ASAA for their decision to work with us and look forward to great success in the future,” said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director.

The ASAA becomes the second state high school association to select USA Bracketing to manage its overall wrestling program and utilize its state-of-the-art technology. In May, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) announced that it would partner with USA Bracketing. Additional state high school associations are expected to announce their partnership with USA Bracketing in the near future.

USA Bracketing, the event management software developed by USA Wrestling, serves as the event management software for all USA Wrestling regional and national events. Additionally, USA Bracketing has been utilized by over 1,100 events since launching on Jan. 1, 2025.

About ASAA

The Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) is the statewide governing body for high school interscholastic activities in Alaska. ASAA coordinates and administers athletic, academic, fine arts, and other extracurricular programs for member schools, ensuring fair competition and consistent standards across the state. Through these activities, ASAA works to enrich student learning, promote sportsmanship, and foster personal growth and community pride.

About USA Wrestling

USA Wrestling is the national governing body for wrestling in the United States, and a member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. USA Wrestling provides competition and programs for over 371,000 members of all ages, including athletes, coaches, officials and club leaders. For more information, visit TheMat.com

Cool Things About High School Wrestling in Alaska

• True Statewide Reach

Alaska is the only state where wrestlers may travel hundreds—even over a thousand—miles just to compete. Athletes often fly to tournaments, making wrestling one of the most geographically unique high school sports in the nation.

• Rural Strength

Many of Alaska’s top wrestlers come from small, rural communities. Schools off the road system regularly produce state champions, showing how determination and tradition can overcome limited resources.

• Community Pride

Wrestling events in Alaska often bring out entire communities. Local gyms and school gyms fill up with families and neighbors, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and electric.

• Cultural Diversity

Alaska wrestling reflects the diversity of the state. Native Alaskan athletes have a strong history in the sport, and wrestling is often a bridge between cultures and regions.

• Championship Energy

The ASAA First National Bank Alaska Wrestling State Championships pack the Alaska Airlines Center with thousands of fans each December. The finals—spotlighted on the center mat—create one of the most exciting high school sports atmospheres in the state.

• College & Beyond

Alaska wrestlers have gone on to compete successfully at the collegiate and even Olympic levels, inspiring the next generation of athletes back home..