January 16-17, 2026
January 16-17, 2026
Embedded Files
The Big Kahuna Classic is a premier event, known as one of the toughest wrestling tournaments in California. Top CIF caliber teams travel from all over the state and the country to compete with the best of the best. The tournament is a nonprofit fundraiser to benefit girls wrestling programs and sponsor qualifiers to travel to the state tournament. It's all in honor of long time coach, official and mentor, the late Richard Morris - aka “The Big Kahuna.”
Event Information
Event Information
Wrestling
Wrestling
Format: Double elimination 40-woman bracket.
Growth Allowance: In addition to the current year January weight allowance, wrestlers will receive an additional 1lb on Friday and another 1lb on Saturday.
Seeding and Registration: Track Wrestling - registrations must be submitted to Track Wrestling by [TBA]
Schedule
Schedule
Team Check-in: [TBA]
Weigh-In & Groom Check: start at [TBA]. Order determined by team’s arrival. There will be a 95lb weight class.
Wrestling: will begin at [TBA]. Finals and Medal Matches will start at approximately [TBA]
Awards: [TBA]
Location
Location
[TBA]
Registration
Registration
Team Fees
Team Fees
[TBA] per team (14 weight classes) by November 1
([TBA] after November 1)Teams with less than 8 wrestlers on the team [TBA] per entry
If a team enters additional wrestlers, including 95lb wt. class, add an additional $50 per wrestlerCoaches will receive 2 wrist bands. One additional wrist band [TBA].
Contracts
Contracts
The first 45 teams to submit a contract will have a spot reserved in the tournament.
Please mail the contract along with a check made out to "The Dick Morris Memorial Tournament" to Ted Norkunas at PO Box 321 Tustin CA, 92781.
Spectators and Volunteers
Spectators and Volunteers
Skip the line and scan your ticket at the door when you prepay for admission
Admission
Admission
General - [TBA]
Student with ID - [TBA]
Kids 6-12 - [TBA]
Under 5 - Free
2024 Tournament
2024 Tournament
Photos by Mamma Bear Photos
$14,000 raised in 2024
$14,000 raised in 2024
The funds were distributed directly to Southern California girls wrestling programs. In addition, all wrestlers who placed in the top 3 at CIF finals and qualified for the state meet were awarded a scholarship to offset travel costs.
The tournament was a huge success thanks to countless volunteers including Orange County Wrestling Officials Association (OCWOA) referees and local community members.
If you're interested in volunteering or sponsoring for next year's tournament, please reach out to us at bigkahuna@dickmorrismemorial.org or text us at (844) 397-1985.
2024 Big Kahuna Legacy Award Winner
2024 Big Kahuna Legacy Award Winner
We recognized Don Apodaca, a wrestling official, coach, and community leader with the Big Kahuna Legacy Award. In addition to his incredible history with the sport, Apodaca personally funded the Santa Ana College women's wrestling "club" to enable competition before they were a sanctioned team. He was also recognized with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2023. Apodaca is a prime example of upholding the legacy of the late Richard Morris through his cultivation of the wrestling community and commitment to accessibility for all.
Report abuse