Weapons of Mat Instruction

Thank you for visiting the Watertown Youth Wrestling Website.  This year, we continue to work to give our kids more opportunities, and provide a more individualized instruction path for our wrestlers.

Parents, if you are not certain which wrestling group to sign up for, we will do our best to move kids into a level that best suits their ages, needs, abilities, attention spans, and interests.  Even if they should start out in the wrong group, with your help we will do our best to quickly place them appropriately to maximize their learning and success. 

Our program caters to kindergarten through 12th grade, with four levels for kids to pursue.  For students who wish to go the extra distance, we are constantly working with our club to provide athletes with several auxiliary options.  See below for details.

 Level 1:  Park and Recreation Program

Grades K-5:  Intended for beginning wrestlers and those not ready for a focused, disciplined practice.

This is our entry level session and goes from Tuesday, November 14, 2011 through Tuesday, December 20, 2011 (six practices).  The focus for this session is "the basics".  We will teach sound fundemental technique, share drills to increase core strength and balance, and provide a fun experience for all involved.  It is similar to the sessions offered in the past and geared toward the athlete who has little or no prior wrestling experience, doesn't wish to compete in weekend tournaments, or simply wants to get a taste of what wrestling has to offer without the strict focus on drilling required to be competitive.  

Practices consist of sound fundamentals with no more than two moves being demonstrated each week.  The first five practices will begin with tumbling exercises to build balance, coordination, and core strength, and end with a safe combative game designed to teach the kids how to move an opponent and maintain solid position.  The final practice will be a three or four match tournament (depending on weight and age).

Numbers and energy levels tend to be high and attention spans vary considerably.  This session is not the best option for focused individuals, those who want to be competitive at weekend tournaments, or those with several years of experience.  We encourage those who are more serious about competition and taking their wrestling to the next level to join the Wrestling Club Sessions.

Sign Up Deadline:  November 9, 2010 (may sign up later, but no shirt will be ordered).  Download the registration form to the right and turn it in to Park and Rec on 1st street before the deadline to ensure a spot.  Late registration will be taken at the door on November 15 if space permits.

Level 2:  Wrestling Club Session (USA Wrestling)

Grades 6-8 and more serious K-5 wrestlers:  Intended for athletes who are ready for a focused instruction designed to prepare them for competition.

This session is designed to prepare athletes to compete.  It begins Monday, December 5, 2011 and continues through the Kids State Tournament in mid-March and will include a second night each week which will be determined based on schedules.

Watertown Youth coaches will lead this instructional series designed to prepare athletes to successfully compete at weekend tournaments. Focus will be on drilling sound fundamentals, building core strength and balance, and learning to be competitive. Athletes must be prepared to work hard, have fun, and participate in area weekend tournaments beginning in January (earlier if available). The goal will be to qualify for, and place at the State Wrestling Tournament in Madison.

Sessions will be Monday evenings from 6:00-7:30 pm. Additional optional nights may be added later at the discretion of the coaches, depending on interest from athletes and parents. Tournament dates will be selected and shared with wrestlers at practice, and posted on this website. Parents are encouraged to bring their kids to the tournaments. Car-pooling will be organized as possible.
 

Level 3:  Riverside Middle School Wrestling Program

Coaches Gallmann and Harms will prepare athletes to become competitive in a team setting.  Emphasis will be placed on strong technique, hard work, and fundamentals. Athletes will be prepared to compete at the high school level in the years to come.  Competition is scheduled against conference rivals and the season runs from January until the conference tournament in March.

Opportunities will continue to be provided for competition after season through the USA Club for interested athletes.  Wrestlers will be encouraged to participate in wrestling camps and clinics in the off season, and scholarships will be made available through the club for those participating in this program.

Level 4: Watertown High School Program

Students attending Watertown High School are encouraged to participate in the wrestling program.