Group making alligator wrestling a sport

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HOLLYWOOD, Fla., March 10 (UPI) -- Members of a U.S. organization dedicated to making alligator wrestling a legitimate sport say facing the large reptiles is not actually that scary.

The Miami Herald said Tuesday to reinforce its point, Freestyle Alligator Wrestling Competitions is holding a competition this weekend at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino near Hollywood, Fla.

James Holt, who wrestled an alligator Tuesday to help promote the event, said the key to facing down one of the potentially deadly animals is mental acuteness.

"The hardest part is making sure you're in the right frame of mind," said Holt, who took on an 8-foot gator Tuesday. "You gotta be in the moment."

"This is going to be a sport that hopefully goes to a global level," Holt added.

Jimmy Riffle, a planned contestant in this weekend's event, offered additional advice to any would-be alligator wrestlers nationwide.

"You cannot be afraid to get bit," Riffle told the Herald.