CENTRAL — The USA Wrestling organization has more than 24,000 registered clubs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

This year, a total of just seven clubs were recognized as Gold Medal clubs.

Berkshire-Pickens Wrestling Club was one of them.

The criteria for obtaining the distinction are as follows: Improvement in membership numbers, participation in events and state programs, participation by club members in USAW’s Coaches Education Program and the USAW Officials Association.

Other criteria involve club members being selected to state teams and earning the right to compete at national tournaments.

This year, BPWC had five athletes selected to state teams and one Greco-Roman All- American.

Club officials would like to thank the following sponsors that helped make the selection a reality — First Liberty Baptist, Wal-Mart and Dunkin Donuts of Central.