Erie Awarded Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Championships

The Erie Sports Commission (ESC) has announced that the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Championships will be held in Erie and the Erie Insurance Arena for 2015 and 2016.

The Championships will be held March 20-21, 2015 and April 1-2, 2016. More than 900 wrestlers in three age groups – 8 and under, 9-10 and 11-12 – are expected to participate in the event with more than 5,000 spectators from around the state in attendance each day of the competition.

All wrestlers will arrive in town the day before the start of each of the annual Championships for weigh-ins. Competition at the recently renovated Erie Insurance Arena will take place the following two days.

The event was last held in Erie in 2008 and 2009.

“We would like to thank the area chairmen for accepting our bid to host the 2015 and 2016 events,” said Tournament Director Don Pollard. “We’re looking forward to working closely with the Erie Sports Commission as we finalize details for this prestigious event in an effort to ensure that each participant, win or lose, enjoys the opportunity to compete against the very best the state has to offer.”

“A lot of hard work went into putting together this bid to bring the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Championships to Erie,” said ESC Executive Director Ron Sertz. “There’s no doubt the involvement of Casey Wells, the Erie County Convention Center Authority and the renovated Erie Insurance Arena – as well as the support of Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott and local wrestling legend Bruce Baumgartner – played a big part in landing this respected annual event.

“It’s with great pride that our bid was accepted and we are honored to have the opportunity to play host to the athletes and their family members that will come to Erie from around the state.”

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation.  The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues.  The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.