Kendall Cross will teach local athletes to take it to the mat Saturday at Noble High School.
By Bob McPhee
Staff Writer

The wrestling season began in earnest this week with high school tryouts and practices.

Maine and New Hampshire competitors will receive an additional treat when Olympic champion Kendall Cross conducts a clinic at 9 a.m. Saturday at Noble High School in South Berwick.

Cross, a 1996 gold medal winner at the Atlanta Olympics, will offer his insights and expertise at the annual Takedown Tournament sponsored by the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance. Cross, who is a highly-regarded clinician, is appearing in conjunction with USA Wrestling in Maine.

He also will teach techniques during a private clinic Friday night at Scarborough High School.

“Kendall is extremely busy,” Scarborough coach Ted Reese said, “so we are fortunate to have secured his services.”

Cross, who competed at 103 pounds as a high school freshman in Oklahoma, is best known for his flair and enthusiasm on the mat. He won several National Freestyle Championships and was an NCAA National Champion and three-time All-American.

Cross later earned berths on two Olympic teams, capturing the gold in Atlanta.

“Kendall’s visit also has another purpose,” MAWA board member John Cole said. “When he addresses the media on Friday, he will emphasize the importance of coaches being able to work with wrestlers after their season ends. Currently, the Maine Principals’ Association doesn’t permit this for wrestlers, and we would like to have the rule changed.”

“It’s certainly great having Kendall Cross come to Maine,” Dirigo assistant coach Dennis Hanson said. “I would like to see an event of this magnitude be held at a more centrally located place. There are several suitable locations. It would allow a greater number of people to attend.”

Cross, a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, is employed by Merrill Lynch as a financial consultant. He coaches at Harvard University.

He was recently named executive director of the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club. Schultz, also an Olympic champion, was slain several years ago by a gunman.

“(Attendees) certainly won’t be disappointed,” Foxcroft coach Maynard Pelletier said. “We had Kendall run a clinic at our place this past summer. He is very personal and relates well with the kids.”

“I am psyched for our kids,” Reese said.

“This is our first year as a varsity team at Scarborough. It’s a unique opportunity for them to work beside and listen to someone of Kendall’s caliber. Kendall is a great guy and an inspiring speaker as well as a super clinician.”