It all started with the Gopher State Nationals.

A tournament that has grown over the years to become a mainstay on the calendar of wrestling families across the Midwest and beyond.  Gopher State boasts over 1,100 wrestlers from 10-12 states every year and has become known as one of the most competitive wrestling events in the country.  With a first-class facility in Monticello High School, on-site bracketing, custom awards and seeded brackets, the MYAS spares no expense to make the event an experience and not just another tournament.

Fast forward to late 2012-early 2013.  Due to the success of the MYAS and it’s programs the decision was made to expand into Wisconsin and create the Wisconsin Sports Services (WSS) and the new Badgerland Nationals.  Held in La Crosse, WI at the UWL-Mitchell Hall in early January, the Badgerland Nationals has enjoyed a significant increase in participation from Year 1 to Year 2 and will continue this upward climb.  The buzz in La Crosse spread fast as the local newspapers began covering the event.

As non-profit organizations, the MYAS and WSS feel very strongly about giving back to the wrestling community as both events are hosted by local wrestling groups who use the Gopher State and Badgerland events as fundraisers for their programs.  Monticello Wreslting, UWL-La Crosse Wrestling and the Holmen Viking Wrestling Club have been wonderful with their coordination and dedication to youth wrestling.  We are proud to be associated with programs that care so much about the development of young wrestlers.

For years, the support and talent we’ve seen from the state of Iowa has been amazing and given their rich wrestling tradition, it doesn’t surprise in the least.  After creating the Midwest Wrestling Tour, we began talking to folks in Iowa about adding a third leg and rounding out the Tour with a hometown event.  We agreed with them that the Midwest Wrestling Tour would not be complete without an Iowa event.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Moms and Dads, wrestlers from all over the country, we are so very pleased to present to you…

The HAWKEYE NATIONALS!

December 6-7 Young Area – Waterloo, IA