**NEW** program organization for the 2024 - 2025 Season
Program Growth
We have been blessed to have our program grow over the past few years (since COVID) from around 60 participants to 160 participants last year. We are by far the largest youth wrestling program in York County. But with such large numbers in such a short amount of time, we have outgrown the "old" way of doing things and are looking to make some big changes this year. The goal of the changes are to try to improve the program for all that are participating. These decisions where made in conjunction with varsity coaches, former youth directors and by booster club members.
First Year Wrestlers
With close to 80 first year wrestlers last year, it was very hard to teach fundamental skills to brand new wrestlers while also trying to build additional skills with experienced ones. This leads us to our biggest change for the new season - first year wrestlers will be a part of a beginner practice that will only meet 8 times throughout the season on Sunday afternoon.
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 Groups)
Registration: $80 **Includes t-shirt
These wrestlers will NOT be competing in the York County Youth Wrestling League. Practices will be held 8 times from late November to early February on Sunday afternoon in the high school wrestling room. (Dates of practices will be: 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 1/5, 1/26, 2/2 and 2/9 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm and 4:15pm - 5:15pm respectively.)
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. (Dates of practices will be: 11/19, 11/21, 11/26, 12/3, 12/5, 12/10, 12/12, 12/17, 12/19, 1/2, 1/7, 1/9, 1/14, 1/16, 1/21, 1/23, 1/28, 1/30, 2/4, 2/6, 2/11, 2/13, 2/18, 2/20, 2/25 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm and 6:45pm - 8:00pm respectively.) There will also be optional open gyms on some Sundays throughout the season from 5:30pm - 6:30pm for those that want some extra mat time.
Tentatively, the regular season competitions will be held on 1/4, 1/12, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1 and the divisional tournament will be on 2/8 and the championship will be 2/22.
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 or you want a new one with a new design! If you are interested in wearing a "used" uniform, feel free to reach out to other parents for singlets their kids have outgrown!
**NOTE: Compression shorts and shirts will not be allowed at competitions this year, so if you only have those from previous seasons, you WILL need to buy a new uniform.**
