Cloverdale making changes to youth wrestling program

In an effort to revive its once dominant wrestling program, Cloverdale has moved its youth wrestling season to attract more participants.

“In an effort to build, grow, and enhance Cloverdale wrestling we are going to hold youth wrestling between Fall Break and Thanksgiving for students in grades 1-5,” CHS varsity coach Chris Kaufman said. “We hope that this move will encourage more of our wrestlers to continue participating in club wrestling and ISWA tournaments as well as take advantage of open wrestling room nights throughout the year.

“While the format of the youth wrestling program will be similar to what we have done in the past, the wrestlers will have opportunities to continue wrestling throughout the winter months with a club.”

Kaufman noted that the method of registration has also changed, with a totally electronic method now being used.

Wrestlers may sign up at:

https://goo.gl/forms/qTvWYzs Gx4SKSt3U2

Anyone having trouble getting the link to work can email or text Kaufman and he will send you the link electronically.

Registration will remain open through Oct. 3.

On that date, all wrestlers must stop by the mandatory weigh-in night anytime from 5-8 p.m. in the Cloverdale High School wrestling room, check their weight and pay.

Wrestlers may also register on this night, however those who are pre-registered will get to skip the line. After this night, registration will be closed and teams will be set for the dual-meet season.

Here is some of the key information:

• Fees: $10 per child or $20 per family (brothers/sisters only)

• Shirts: Your child will receive free shirt. Parents can order matching T-shirts for $15 or gray sweatshirts for $30 with the online registration or at weigh-in.

Additional shirts must be paid for by weigh-in night.

• Weigh-in requirements: At weigh-in your child will need to be present on Oct. 3 to confirm their actual weight and perform a skin check with a completed registration.

• Times: Practices/meets will be Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 22 and concluding Nov. 15. On meet nights, wrestlers should be finished by 8 p.m.

• Where: Over the four-week program there will be seven practices, three dual meets, and a final tournament all happening at Cloverdale High School

• Needs: Each child is asked to bring clean, tight fitting shoes for wrestling. Please put them on when you arrive daily and remove them before going outside to keep the dirt off of the mats.

“Youth wrestling is designed to teach the fundamentals of wrestling, have fun, and spark an interest in middle and high school wrestling,” Kaufman said. “Sportsmanship is expected at all times by coaches, wrestlers, parents, and attendees of the meets.”

For further information, contact Kaufman at ckaufman@cloverdale.k12.in.us or (765) 721-7939.