Program organization for the 2025 - 2026 season
Last year we introduced a new practice for those that were brand new to the sport of wrestling. We practiced just 10 times throughout the winter in order to introduce kids to the sport. This allowed us to focus on the basics without having to worry about getting kids ready to compete too early - before they were ready - both physically and emotionally.
This allowed our novice and advanced practices to focus on building the foundational knowledge gained in prior years and to learn more advanced techniques without having to also try to teach brand new wrestlers basics that others already knew.
This format worked really well and allowed for exactly what we wanted - we will continue with this again this year. We will have a first year wrestler practice on Wednesday evenings, a novice practice (for those that were in the first year group last year and some that we feel may benefit from staying int he novice group again) and an advanced group on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
First Year Wrestlers
We will continue the premise behind having all first year wrestlers be in a "learn to wrestle" program that meets about 10 times separate from all of our experienced wrestlers. Although last year we did this on Sunday, we found that although it was convenient to use the wrestling room, it was not super well attended and made finding volunteer help difficult. We will look to hold these beginner practices during the week to keep with consistency in the program and to free up weekends for families and volunteers.
These wrestlers will NOT participate in the York County Youth Wrestling League. This will provide many (especially our youngest 5 and 6 year olds) an opportunity to build a strong foundation before trying to compete too early. ALL K - 6 grade first year wrestlers will be a part of this beginner group. This is also a great way for new wrestlers to see if they like wrestling and allow us to present it in a very non-stressful environment that allows for learning and fun.
Novice and Advanced Group
By moving first year wrestlers into their own beginner level group, it will allow us to do much more with our novice wrestlers. These wrestlers are 2nd or third year wrestlers that know the basics and are ready to start gearing up for competition. This group formerly had brand new wrestlers as part of it and restricted what we were able to accomplish during practice. We think that this will help those 2nd year wrestlers take that next step and also allow smaller group size to create a better coach to kid ratio.
The advanced group will then be made up of mainly 3rd+ year wrestlers that have learned the basics, demonstrated their ability to keep their composure on the mat and are ready to learn more advanced moves and do more live wrestling and drilling. Again, with the smaller group size we are hoping to also better accommodate our most experienced wrestlers and provide additional differentiation to the practice.
Registration fees
Below is a summary of fees you will see during registration. Please reach out to our coaches if you have any questions:
**ALL** First Year Wrestlers - Beginner Group
Registration: $75 **Includes t-shirt
These wrestlers will NOT be competing in the York County Youth Wrestling League. Practices will be held about 10 times from December to early February on Wednesday evenings (12/3, 12/10. 12/17, 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18).
Novice and Advanced Wrestlers
Registration: $100 **Includes competition fee and t-shirt
These wrestlers WILL be competing in the York County Youth Wrestling League (Fees to compete are already included in the registration cost).
Practice will be held on Tuesday and Thursday night from late November to the middle of February at York Township Elementary school. (11/18, 11/20, 11/25, 12/2, 12/4, 12/9, 12/11, 12/16, 12/18, 1/6, 1/8, 1/13, 1/15, 1/20, 1/22, 1/27, 1/29, 2/3, 2/5, 2/10, 2/12, 2/17, 2/19, 2/24, 2/25)
Tentatively, the regular season competitions will be held on 1/3, 1/11, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31 and the divisional tournament will be on 2/7 and the championship will be 2/21.
Additional Items for purchase at time of registration:
Competition Uniforms
Only those that will be competing in the York County Youth Wrestling League (Non-first year wrestlers) will need to have a Dallastown issued uniform.
Singlets cost an additional $90 on top of registration.
For those that have previously purchased uniforms, there is NO NEED to buy another one, unless your child has outgrown theirs - we will be using the same design as last year. If you are interested in wearing a "used" uniform, feel free to reach out to other parents for singlets their kids have outgrown!
