elementary school wrestling programs?

[wtwrestler]

I live in Memphis and have a friend who has a 4 year old child and is wanting to get him involved in wrestling as soon as possible. I was wondering if there is an elementary program where he could learn to wrestle and get into competitions with children his age. If there isn't a program for kids his age what is the youngest age a child can start and where.

[deaddux]

between 2nd and 5th grade are good ranges to start - if the father ,brother,mentor can attend most matches and practices that first year -after that there is a good chance the kid will stay with it and not require as much help - i would not throw a 8/9 year old out there without his knowing lots of the other kids/parents involved in the program - good luck

[Edited by deaddux on 2-7-03 12:28P]

[walkenvol]

wtwrestler - I've coached a youth team for 12 seasons. It has been my experience that of the boys that started before 3rd grade, apx 80% didn't stick with it while of the boys that started 3rd grade or later, apx 80% stayed with the sport. While there are lots of exceptions, I'd caution anyone against putting very young boys in competitive wrestling.

[cbg]

Take walkenvol's advice on this one. Wrestling is a physical sport and most young children are not ready for it. I even caution most parents not to start their children before the age of 10.

 

good luck!!!!!!!

[Edited by cbg on 2-7-03 12:22P]

 

[sly]

walkenvol, I agree with you on this issue. I think that the 3rd grade is probably the earliest a young wrestler needs to start wrestling period.

 

P.S. 30sec. to long for me!!!!!!!!!!!...LOL

[smwwrest]

wtwrestler - I suggest talking with Coach Marable, the kids director for MidSouth wrestling and CBHS' head middle school coach. He has a number of kids involved in the program that are in the first to third grade. They also participate in St. Louis and Southern Illinois tournaments where there are hordes of kids wrestling in the the 4 year old and up ages classes. Personally, my son started wrestling in kindergarten and his love for the sport has just continued. As he has watched the older kids enjoy a lot of success in the middle school program, it has just fueled his interest in the sport. I believe the key is making sure that kids have fun--lots of trips to the concession stand, riding with friends to and from the tournaments while playing the PS2 and/or watching kids movies, stopping at state parks along the way and lots of positive encouragment after matches regardless of whether they win or lose. The worst thing to do is put on alot of pressure on winning--at that age they forget the losses much more quickly than the parents.

 

[live2pin]

Tee is a great wrestler in the fith grade at St. Jude he is haveing a great year and is the best fith grade wrestler i know he doesnt love wrestling enough tho, jack his brother is catching up he is also a very great 4 or 5th grader i expect alot out of these two in a few years.