Wrestling
Order personalized singlets and gear. All wrestlers receive a rented singlet for use in competition.
Closes November 24, 2025.
Stock up on TWC items here. All wrestlers receive a free TWC t-shirt with their registration.
Closes November 30, 2025.
Trojan Wrestling Club: Fostering Growth and Excellence in Youth Wrestling
Creating Pathways for Every Athlete, from Novice to Advanced
Wrestling is more than a sport—it is a journey of discipline, resilience, and self-discovery. At the Trojan Wrestling Club, this journey is opened to children of all backgrounds and skill levels, providing a nurturing environment in which young athletes can learn, grow, and thrive. The club’s structure is both thoughtful and intentional, designed to ensure each child receives developmentally appropriate instruction, encouragement, and challenge.
Introduction: The Club’s Philosophy
Trojan Wrestling Club exists to introduce children to the sport of wrestling and to provide a pathway for continued growth as their skills and passion deepen. The club recognizes that every child comes to the mat with a different set of experiences, motivations, and abilities. Therefore, the approach is flexible yet rigorous, balancing the need for fundamentals with opportunities for advanced training.
What makes Trojan Wrestling Club unique is its careful division into two distinct groups—novice and open—each tailored to the needs of its members. This division ensures that instruction is always age-appropriate and that every wrestler feels both challenged and supported.
Novice Room: Foundations and Fun
Age Group: Kindergarten through 3rd Grade
The novice room serves as the entry point for new wrestlers, encompassing children from kindergarten through third grade. The focus in this group is not on competition, but rather on building a solid foundation of wrestling knowledge and skills. Coaches in the novice room understand that for many children, this may be their very first experience on the mat. As such, the environment is welcoming, encouraging, and positive.
Fundamental Skills
In the novice room, instruction centers around the basic fundamentals of wrestling. Children are taught key techniques in stance, movement, and takedowns. The emphasis is on body control, awareness, and agility—skills that will serve them in wrestling and in other athletic pursuits. Coaches break down each movement into simple, manageable steps, ensuring that every child can master the building blocks of the sport.
Developing Attitude and Confidence
Beyond physical skills, the novice curriculum is designed to foster a positive attitude. Children are encouraged to respect their coaches and peers, try their best, and approach challenges with perseverance. Coaches use games and age-appropriate drills to make learning enjoyable, helping each wrestler build confidence in their abilities.
Competition: Optional Participation
While competition is not required in the novice room, children who wish to participate in tournaments are supported in doing so. The decision is left up to the individual wrestler and their parents, with coaches providing guidance as needed. The primary goal is to ensure that pressure is minimized and that the experience remains positive and developmental.
The Role of Coaches and Parents
Coaches in the novice room are patient mentors, adept at creating a safe and supportive environment for young athletes. Communication with parents is open and ongoing, ensuring that families feel involved in their child’s progress and experience.
Open Room: Advanced Training and Preparation
Age Group: 4th Grade and Up, with at least one year of novice experience
Once a wrestler has completed at least one year in the novice group—and is in 4th grade or above—they may move into the open room. This transition marks a shift in both the level of instruction and the expectations placed on the athlete. The open room is designed for those who are ready to take their training to the next level, developing advanced techniques and preparing for competitive success.
Advanced Technique
The curriculum in the open room is much more technically demanding. Wrestlers are introduced to a broader array of moves and strategies, building on the foundation acquired in the novice room. Instruction focuses on precision, timing, and repetition. Coaches encourage wrestlers to practice with a purpose, with the goal of always adding more tools to their toolbelt.
Physical Conditioning
With advanced technique comes increased physical conditioning. The open room incorporates rigorous drills, strength and endurance training, and agility exercises. The goal is to prepare athletes for the demands of competition, instilling mental toughness and physical resilience.
Competition Preparation
Unlike the novice room, participation in tournaments and competitive matches is emphasized. Wrestlers receive guidance on goal-setting, match preparation, and sportsmanship. Coaches work closely with athletes and their families to ensure readiness—mentally and physically—for the rigors of competition.
Exceptions and Flexibility
While the standard pathway to the open room requires completion of the novice group and being in at least 4th grade, the Trojan Wrestling Club recognizes that some younger athletes may be ready for advanced training sooner. Exceptions can be made at the coaches’ discretion, but always in consultation with parents. This individualized approach ensures no athlete is rushed or held back, and that developmental readiness is the guiding principle.
Parent-Club Collaboration
In both rooms, the club places a premium on communication and collaboration with parents. Before any child moves to the open room, the coaches consult with the family to discuss readiness, goals, and expectations. This partnership ensures that decisions are made with the child’s best interests in mind.
Benefits of the Trojan Wrestling Club Approach
- Inclusivity: The club is open to children of all skill levels, creating pathways for beginners and advanced athletes alike.
- Developmentally Appropriate Instruction: Training is tailored to age and experience, ensuring no child is overwhelmed or under-challenged.
- Positive Environment: Coaches foster respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship, developing not just athletes but responsible individuals.
- Opportunities for Growth: Children may compete when ready, with support and guidance from coaches and families.
- Collaborative Decision-Making: Movement between groups is always discussed with parents, ensuring transparency and shared goals.
Building Champions for Life
Trojan Wrestling Club is more than a place to learn wrestling—it is a community where children grow as athletes and as people. Through a carefully structured program, from the welcoming novice room to the challenging open room, young wrestlers are given the tools they need to succeed—on the mat and beyond. The club’s commitment to individualized instruction, family involvement, and positive values creates an environment where every child can discover their potential and strive for excellence.
Whether a child is just starting out or ready to tackle advanced competition, Trojan Wrestling Club provides the opportunity to embark on a transformative journey, building not only wrestling skills but also lifelong character.
Alyssa Schuett
Co-Commissioner
Dana Schuett
Co-Commissioner
PROGRAM Schedule
Location:
Platteview wrestling room - located just north of the Platteview high school activities parking lot.
Novice- November - February
Monday - 6:00p - 6:50p
Thursday - 6:00p - 6:50p
Open - November - March
Monday - 7:00p - 8:30p
Tuesday - 6:00p - 7:30p
Thursday - 7:00p - 8:30p