FAQ

Some parents don't quite know what to make of wrestling as a sport, comparing wrestling to other youth sports such as soccer, football, baseball is difficult to do. When competing, the wrestler walks out on the mat by themselves, their coaches and teammates can't wrestle for them. The individual nature of wrestling helps kids learn self-respect, build confidence, and treat them to a thrill of victory that can't be matched by other team sports. If you have suggestions for additions or changes to the FAQ below please contact us.

What some parents have said:

"Ben (1st yr, 7yo) benefited greatly from the physical and mental aspects, working hard, learning to rely on himself, and striving to improve. We both enjoyed a great first season." (C. Calamari)

Q. Who will my son be wrestling with?
A. In practices he will wrestle with the kids closest to his weight/ability. In tournaments he will wrestle within his age group and usually within +/- 5lbs of his weight.

Q. Will he get hurt?
A. Yes. Wrestling is not a gentle sport. He will be banged up and bruised on occasion, this is normal. The coaching staff does everything possible to prevent serious injuries.

Q. My Grandpa Charlie was a wrestler, he had those 'funny' ears wrestlers get, will that happen to my son?
A. The headgear that is required in tournaments works to prevent 'cauliflower ear', all boys are encouraged to wear them at all times in practice.

Q. What should I expect from the first season?
A. Your son should return home from practice very tired. The coaches attempt to teach all the boys various techniques and moves each week, if he has time to practice them at home he will benefit greatly. Learning some moves takes 1 practice, learning the sport takes a lifetime.

Q. How will he do in the tournaments?
A. Generally first year wrestlers don't win too many matches, some of them will, but many have to work hard to earn their first victory. Some tournaments try to match wrestlers with similar records, so be patient, with hard work he will start winning.

Q. Umm, other sports he does are very careful to not be too competitive at the younger ages.
A. There is no way to wrestle without being competitive. If you/he wants to 'tie' every time he competes you should stick to soccer (just kidding soccer people!). Wrestling is about winning or losing. But, like in many sports a losing wrestler can have wrestled a great match. You can't win them all (okay, Cael Sanderson did).

Q. What are the coaches like? Do they push the kids hard enough? Do they push them too hard? Why do they do this?
A. I won't even try to answer this. The best advice I can give is to introduce yourself to a coach before/after practice or at a tournament and talk to them for a few minutes, they are VERY happy to discuss anything you want. During practice, and during matches at a tournament aren't the best times to catch them to chat.

Q. What are the tournaments like?
A. Difficult to describe if you haven't been to one before. The weigh-ins are usually from 6am to 8am on Sunday mornings. Wrestlers are due on the mats usually at 8:30-9:00, for a warm up with the team. Some may have only 6mats, many will have 10 or more mats running matches at a time. Many tournaments start with the young age brackets being called to the 'bullpen', this is usually the same area that the weigh-in was held. All wrestlers called to the bullpen are sorted by weight. Groups of wrestlers will be led to a mat, the groups are usually their 'brackets', depending on age, brackets are usually 4man or 8man. After they wrestle their first matches there is sometimes a long wait for the second match , and a similar wait for the 3rd match. The coach will be able to tell you how many matches there will be after the weigh-in (some brackets include byes). During this time spectators are required to be in the stands, we try to sit together as a team, usually only coaches and wrestlers are allowed near the mats. Good tournaments have plenty of room in the stands, and the matches are run quickly and smoothly.

Q. What are the costs associated with the program?
A. A $30 fee goes to the park district, and $200 fee goes to the club. This fee covers tournament entry costs, USA Cards, Charter and Sanction Fees. Weekly practices.

Q. What other expenses are there?
A. Equipment. Shoes and headgear (and maybe kneepads) costs about $100-$150. If there are any out-of-town tournaments you choose to attend all travel/lodging expenses are your own.

Q. Why did the team change from "Pony Express"?
A. To better associate with the Barrington area, and with BHS.

If there is a question you have that is not answered here please email us and we will be happy to answer it.