The Window Rock Scouts are hosting its largest ever Veterans' Memorial Invitational (VMI) high school wrestling tournament this weekend in the school's spacious Events Center in Fort Defiance.

The Sixth Annual VMI features 36 boy's teams and 30 girl's squads from four states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas. This year's tournament has six more teams than last year's event.

The Tsehootstooi Middle School Wrestling Tournament is scheduled for December 19 in the Events Center.

The wrestling tournament shifts to high school wrestling on December 20-21 in the Events Center.

Boy's defending champion Farmington, New Mexico High School and girl's defending champion Mohave High School return to the invitational to defend its championship from last year.

Arizona schools competing in the high school division are Page, Round Valley, Winslow, Mohave, Ganado, American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek, Kayenta Monument Valley, Blue Ridge, Globe, Many Farms, Chinle, Miami, San Carlos, Tohono O'odham, Greyhills, Red Mesa, Rock Point, Tuba City, Hopi and host Window Rock.

Schools from New Mexico include Los Alamos, Farmington, Bloomfield, Gallup, Moriarty, Kirtland Central, Wingate, Shiprock, Miyamura, and Newcomb.

Texas schools are Eastwood, Pebble Hills, De Valle, Eastlake, and Montwood.

Chaparrel is a Colorado school entered in the invitational.

GIRLS AND BOYS DIVISIONS

Window Rock High School wrestling head coach/tournament director Marc Hillis said the high school's Dineh Club will present the awards.

Hillis said team trophies will be awarded to first through fourth places, based on dual results. He said a team sportsmanship plaque will be voted on by the invitational referees.

Awards include individual medals to the championship team. Outstanding Wrestler for Upper, Middle and Lower weight classes, as voted by the coaches will receive Fight Shorts.

Admission is $6 per person. There will be a concession stand.