About the DeKalb Wrestling Club

History: 
Founded in 1990, the DeKalb Wrestling Club's Kid's Traveling Team was formed to fill a void between the DeKalb Youth Wrestling program grades K-4th and the newly consolidated middle schools, which initially only allowed 7th & 8th grade participation. Hence, the creation of the Kid's Team for the more serious 4th through 6th grade wrestlers. The Kid’s Team is now open to all children grades Kindergarden – 5th. The first team was coached by Jim Cliffe and consisted of about 15 wrestlers. They practiced two days a week at St. Mary's School and attended 3 to 4 tournaments per season. The Kid's Team has now grown to over 50 wrestlers and is now coached by Matt Roach. There are two practices a week, with a third optional practice on most Thursday nights as well. In addition to hosting our own tournament every year, our wrestlers have the option to travel to 13 additional tournaments.

Philosophy: 
The philosophy of the Kid's Team has stayed the same over the years:
To have fun
To provide a safe, positive environment for all wrestlers
To learn the fundamentals of wrestling
To expose as many kids to the sport of wrestling as possible
To help create the love and passion for wrestling
To help instill lessons that are essential in life as well as wrestling (discipline, responsibility, self confidence, and sacrifice)
To create lifelong positive memories and friendships
To promote and praise sportsmanship, effort and improvement

General Information: 
The fee for this season will be $ 35.00 The fee includes registration with the IKWF & USA Wrestling, entry fees for approved tournaments, special guest clinics, a T-Shirt, pizza parties and awards banquet.
Each tournament attended carries an entry fee, which is paid for by the DeKalb Wrestling Club for every team member throughout the season. This insures that all those who are committed enough to develop their skills will have the opportunity, regardless of financial means.