The AAU Grand Nationals wrestling tournament is returning to Billings.
The tournament — which features freestyle, Greco-Roman and folkstyle competition — will be June 13-15, 2013, at Alterowitz Gymnasium, located on the campus of Montana State Billings.
The last time the event was held in Billings was in 1999 at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark. It was held in Butte at the Civic Center in 2007.
The host clubs for the event are the Renegade Wrestling Club and the Darkhorse Wrestling Club. Mike Littleton, Dan Elser and Bryan Emborg, all of Billings, will serve as tournament directors.
Littleton said the tourney is open, to AAU card members ages five through adult. A majority of the wrestlers will be youth competitors. Organizers are hoping for 600 wrestlers.
The, clubs go to national tourneys in South Dakota and Colorado every year and will promote the Grand Nationals there Littleton said.
“We are excited for it. Our model is, ‘Bringing the Grand back in the Grand Nationals,’ ” Littleton said, adding the clubs plan on bidding for the Grand Nationals in 2014 and 2015 as well.
A website to promote the event, is under construction and will be functioning soon. It is, www.aaugrands2013.com.
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