Hundreds compete at Black Hills Nationals

SPEARFISH, S.D.  —  The 16th Annual Black Hills Nationals Wrestling Tournament was held Saturday at the Young Center in Spearfish.

This year’s tournament attracted nearly 700 wrestlers both boys and girls from 15 different states including Rhode Island.

Wrestlers competing at the Black Hills Nationals in Spearfish

The event featured 16 different age groups ranging from six and under to 30 and over.

Long-time wrestling official Frank Pavich started the tournament back in 2003. He says the tournament wouldn’t be possible without the support of the volunteers and sponsors.

The Black Hills Nationals wrestling tournament was held on Saturday in Spearfish

“I’m very proud of what we’ve created here as a core group,” Black Hills Nationals founder and coordinator Frank Pavich said. “It gives local kids an opportunity to wrestle kids nationally with competition they’ve never seen or probably will never see again. Any type of wrestling like this is just going to make you better. It’s going to build your skills. We’re very proud to bring this to the Black Hills.”