NEWBERRY — Brian Sikelbaugh, Newberry High School wrestling coach, will be teaching the fundamentals of collegiate and Olympic style wrestling with the Newberry County Wrestling Club.
The club begins this month at the Newberry County Family YMCA.
“I love this sport and want to grow wrestling in the county. Wrestling is a sport that develops so much more than mat skills for kids. The club is a way to introduce the sport to kids or for experienced wrestlers to stay sharp or learn new technique,” Sikelbaugh said. “I think we need more individual and team state titles coming to our District. Club and off season mat time is the way to do it. I’d like to get us to the point that when other schools have to wrestle a Newberry County school and they will know to bring their ‘A’ game as our kids will be well trained, well coached and well disciplined.”
Youths (fifth grade to high school) who sign up for the Newberry County Wrestling Club will not be learning what is on T.V., instead they’ll learn what is practiced at the Olympics. They will be learning the fundamentals of the sport, work on wrestling skills training and encourage teamwork and sportsmanship.
Sikelbaugh has over 40 years of wrestling experience. He grew up in Ohio where he learned to wrestle, his resume includes, nine State Champions, two State Runner-Ups, 20 other State place winners, 49 State qualifiers, 12 Regional Champions, 76 All Conference selections, 31 Conference Tournament Champions, 15 wrestlers with 100+ victories.
The Club will meet Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 6-7:30 p.m. at the YMCA, 8220 Jollystreet Road, Newberry. The cost to join the club is $20 a month, and parents can register their children at the YMCA. The payment will allow participants to attend as many meetings they are able to each month.
The first session will be on April 24, this will also be a mandatory informational parent meeting.