USA Wrestling formalizes Olympic committee

USA Wrestling has formalized plans for a committee charged with restoring Olympic wrestling.

The organization announced Monday that the group will be known as the Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling. As noted by USA Wrestling executive director Rich Bender last week, the committee will be chaired by former world champion Bill Scherr.

Leading U.S. wrestling supporter Mike Novogratz will serve as the group's spokesman.

USA Wrestling says the committee's goals will be to work with FILA, wrestling's international governing body, and top wrestling nations to restore the sport to the 2020 Olympic program.

The group is also seeking to "mobilize and energize'' the American public to support their cause.

The International OIympic Committee has recommended that wrestling not be included as a core sport in 2020.