Wrestling Thunder Club

Club banquet

2012-02-09T10:09:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that our club banquet is tomorrow night at 5:30 in the wrestling room. Hope to see everyone there.

Super State Results

2012-02-07T15:54:00.001-08:00

Utah Youth Super State Tournament Results for Wrestling Thunder

Pre-School-Kindergarten 40 - Cole Taylor's place is 5th and has scored 17.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Cole Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Cole Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Caleb Jackson (Champions Wresling Club) (Pin 1:48)
Quarterfinal - Logan Holmes (Extreme Wrestling) won by major decision over Cole Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) (Maj 10-2)
Cons. Round 4 - Cole Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Marcus Benson (Bear Den) (Pin 0:22)
Cons. Round 5 - Cole Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) won by decision over Daxton Lindgren (Syracuse Tiny Titans) (Dec 7-2)
Cons. Semi - Tege Kelley (Mettle Wrestling) won by pin over Cole Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 1:42)
5th Place Match - Cole Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Thomas Williams (Red Storm) (Pin 0:54)

Pre-School-Kindergarten 45 - Kody Whited's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Jaxon Endresen (Syracuse Tiny Titans) won by pin over Kody Whited (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 2:00)
Cons. Round 1 - Kody Whited (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 2 - Asher Farr (Red Storm) won by pin over Kody Whited (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 2:34)

1st- 2nd Grade 40 - Nathan Elwell's place is 4th and has scored 9.50 team points.
Quarterfinal - Nathan Elwell (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Semifinal - Nathaniel Fordham (Red Storm) won by decision over Nathan Elwell (Wrestling Thunder) (Dec 9-8)
Cons. Semi - Nathan Elwell (Wrestling Thunder) won by tech fall over Justin Goodrich (Altamont) (TF 16-1)
3rd Place Match - Ollie Takahashi (Mettle Wrestling) won by decision over Nathan Elwell (Wrestling Thunder) (Dec 9-8)

1st- 2nd Grade 45 - Kestyn Hyde's place is 2nd and has scored 26.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Kestyn Hyde (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Kestyn Hyde (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Sam Clawson (Peak) (Pin 0:19)
Quarterfinal - Kestyn Hyde (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Drake Fedler (Champions Wresling Club) (Pin 0:38)
Semifinal - Kestyn Hyde (Wrestling Thunder) won by decision over Ty Maynard (Red Storm) (Dec 9-2)
1st Place Match - Aaron Garcia (Payson Grappling Force) won by pin over Kestyn Hyde (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 0:45)

1st- 2nd Grade 50 - Dayne Lee's place is 4th and has scored 25.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Dayne Lee (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Sam Westbroek (Crusher Wrestling) (Pin 1:20)
Champ. Round 2 - Dayne Lee (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Todd Sweat (Wasatch Wrestling) (Pin 1:32)
Champ. Round 3 - Dayne Lee (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Jack Lounsbury (Red Storm) (Pin 0:56)
Quarterfinal - Dayne Lee (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Kyison Garcia (Brighton) (Pin 4:00)
Semifinal - Cam Ford (Payson Grappling Force) won by decision over Dayne Lee (Wrestling Thunder) (Dec 7-1)
Cons. Semi - Dayne Lee (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Tate Maynard (Red Storm) (Pin 0:00)
3rd Place Match - Todd Sweat (Wasatch Wrestling) won by decision over Dayne Lee (Wrestling Thunder) (Dec 5-1)

1st- 2nd Grade 60 - Jacen Taylor's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Matty Richardson (Claw) won by pin over Jacen Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 0:41)
Cons. Round 1 - Ki Murdock (Roosevelt Wrestling) won by pin over Jacen Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 2:20)

1st- 2nd Grade 65 - Kyler Fisher's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Kale Richins (Mettle Wrestling) won by pin over Kyler Fisher (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 0:25)
Cons. Round 1 - Ethan Hearne (Crusher Wrestling) won by pin over Kyler Fisher (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 2:46)

1st- 2nd Grade 70 - Kanyon Lee's place is 2nd and has scored 23.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Kanyon Lee (Wrestling Thunder) won by major decision over Cutler Christensen (Champions Wresling Club) (Maj 13-0)
Quarterfinal - Kanyon Lee (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Joshua Sanderson (Crusher Wrestling) (Pin 0:15)
Semifinal - Kanyon Lee (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Joshua Herrera (Fremont Wrestling Club) (Pin 1:36)
1st Place Match - Jack White (Team Legacy) won by pin over Kanyon Lee (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 2:45)

3rd-4th Grade 50 - Jaden Kay's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Blayze Keckler (MT. LOGAN) won by pin over Jaden Kay (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 0:57)
Cons. Round 1 - Jaden Kay (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 2 - Dylan Wilson (Payson Grappling Force) won by pin over Jaden Kay (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 1:21)

3rd-4th Grade 55 - Braden Meyer's place is unknown and has scored 6.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Keagen Murdoch (Mettle Wrestling) won by decision over Braden Meyer (Wrestling Thunder) (Dec 10-6)
Cons. Round 1 - Braden Meyer (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 2 - Braden Meyer (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Renae Lucero (Ogden Quest) (Pin 0:30)
Cons. Round 3 - Brody Rich (Extreme Wrestling) won by tech fall over Braden Meyer (Wrestling Thunder) (TF 17-2)

3rd-4th Grade 60 - Taylor Young's place is unknown and has scored 6.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Taylor Young (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Ashtyn J Lowe (Champions Wresling Club) won by pin over Taylor Young (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 1:37)
Cons. Round 2 - Taylor Young (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 3 - Taylor Young (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Joshua J Holmes (Extreme Wrestling) (Pin 3:38)
Cons. Round 4 - Conner Ingram (Champions Wresling Club) won by major decision over Taylor Young (Wrestling Thunder) (Maj 10-2)

3rd-4th Grade 65 - Caden Dunn's place is unknown and has scored 15.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Caden Dunn (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Caden Dunn (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Ethan McGhee (Altamont) (Pin 0:42)
Champ. Round 3 - Caden Dunn (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Rylan Stevens (Uintah) (Pin 0:40)
Quarterfinal - Wyatt Hone (Payson Grappling Force) won by pin over Caden Dunn (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 1:24)
Cons. Round 6 - Caden Dunn (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Jaxon Morlan (Duchesne Eagles) (Pin 0:24)
Cons. Round 7 - Zeke Kelley (Mettle Wrestling) won by decision over Caden Dunn (Wrestling Thunder) (Dec 7-4)

3rd-4th Grade 70 - Carson Hall's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Damon Mayfield (Team Takedown) won by pin over Carson Hall (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 0:37)
Cons. Round 1 - Gage Chrisman (Champions Wresling Club) won by decision over Carson Hall (Wrestling Thunder) (Dec 7-0)

5th-6th Grade 100 - Brayton Valentine's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Brayton Valentine (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Quarterfinal - Zac Musselman (Monticello) won by pin over Brayton Valentine (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 0:37)
Cons. Round 2 - Koby Johnson (Peak) won by decision over Brayton Valentine (Wrestling Thunder) (Dec 4-2)

5th-6th Grade 145 - Matthiew Holman's place is 1st and has scored 26.00 team points.
Quarterfinal - Matthiew Holman (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Maleke McGhee (Altamont) (Pin 0:33)
Semifinal - Matthiew Holman (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Carson Kay (Champions Wresling Club) (Pin 1:39)
1st Place Match – Matthiew Holman (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Mac Peterson (Wolf Pack Wrestling) (Pin 1:33)

7th-9th Grade 85 - Matthew Brink's place is unknown and has scored 9.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Cooper Skinner (Bear River) won by pin over Matthew Brink (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 1:50)
Cons. Round 1 - Matthew Brink (Wrestling Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 2 - Matthew Brink (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Kayden Cottam (Wasatch Wrestling) (Pin 1:14)
Cons. Round 3 - Matthew Brink (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Hunter Winward (pow) (Pin 0:41)
Cons. Round 4 - Caleb Rasmussen (Millard) won by pin over Matthew Brink (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 1:36)

7th-9th Grade 120 - Jordan Taylor's place is 3rd and has scored 19.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Victor Almanza (Delta) won by pin over Jordan Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) (Pin 1:40)
Cons. Round 1 - Jordan Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Brandon Varley (TECH) (Pin 0:23)
Cons. Round 2 - Jordan Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) won by pin over Sidney Christiansen (Morgan Wrestling Club) (Pin 1:26)
Cons. Round 3 - Jordan Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) won by major decision over Collin White (Pony Express) (Maj 8-0)
Cons. Semi - Jordan Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) won by decision over Tyler Manookin (Payson Grappling Force) (Dec 8-5)
3rd Place Match - Jordan Taylor (Wrestling Thunder) won by major decision over Bailey Ure (Champions Wresling Club) (Maj 13-4)

Results from Beehive Brawl 2012

2012-01-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

Beehive Brawl Results for Westlake Thunder
6 & Under 40 lbs. - Nathan Elwell's place is 5th and has scored 2.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Nathaniel Fordham (Dixie Red Storm) won by major decision over Nathan Elwell (Westlake Thunder) (Maj 10-2)
Cons. Round 1 - Nathan Elwell (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 2 - Nathan Elwell (Westlake Thunder) won by pin over Keegan Pehrson (Richfield) (Pin 1:54)
Cons. Round 3 - Nathan Elwell (Westlake Thunder) won by pin over Carson Collard (Emery All Stars) (Pin 0:49)
Cons. Semi - Dierk Skewes (Duchesne Eagles) won by pin over Nathan Elwell (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 0:21)
5th Place Match - Nathan Elwell (Westlake Thunder) won by pin over Gavin Hall (Junior Longhorns) (Pin 0:32)

6 & Under 43 lbs. - Kody Whited's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Hayden Haase (Extreme Wrestling) won by decision over Kody Whited (Westlake Thunder) (Dec 10-4)
Cons. Round 1 - Craig Slater (Ruby Mountain Wrestling) won by pin over Kody Whited (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 0:42)

8 & Under 46 lbs. - Kestyn Hyde's place is 3rd and has scored 7.00 team points.
Quarterfinal - Kestyn Hyde (Westlake Thunder) won by pin over Burton Ford (Payson Grappling Force) (Pin 0:59)
Semifinal - Sterling Dias (Team GV) won by decision over Kestyn Hyde (Westlake Thunder) (Dec 3-1)
Cons. Semi - Kestyn Hyde (Westlake Thunder) won by decision over David Edwards (Extreme Wrestling) (Dec 13-7)
3rd Place Match - Kestyn Hyde (Westlake Thunder) won by major decision over Burton Ford (Payson Grappling Force) (Maj 11-1)

8 & Under 52 lbs. - Dayne Lee's place is 6th and has scored 1.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Dayne Lee (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Dayne Lee (Westlake Thunder) won by decision over Hunter Mitchell (Ruby Mountain Wrestling) (Dec 9-5)
Quarterfinal - Dayne Lee (Westlake Thunder) won by decision over Ethan Crittenden (No. Summit Youth Wrestling Clu) (Dec 8-4)
Semifinal - Brayden Jacobson (Mettle Wrestling) won by major decision over Dayne Lee (Westlake Thunder) (Maj 15-6)
Cons. Semi - Adam Drew (Junior Longhorns) won by decision over Dayne Lee (Westlake Thunder) (Dec 3-0)
5th Place Match - Kylan Taylor (Team takedown) won by decision over Dayne Lee (Westlake Thunder) (Dec 2-0)

8 & Under 70 lbs. - Kanyon Lee's place is 4th and has scored 4.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Joshua Herrera (Fremont Wrestling club) won by pin over Kanyon Lee (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 0:56)
Cons. Round 1 - Kanyon Lee (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 2 - Kanyon Lee (Westlake Thunder) won by pin over Isaiah Mcgee (Team Vegas Wrestling) (Pin 0:40)
Cons. Round 3 - Kanyon Lee (Westlake Thunder) won by pin over Laramie Roberts (Team takedown) (Pin 0:26)
Cons. Semi - Kanyon Lee (Westlake Thunder) won by pin over Joshua Herrera (Fremont Wrestling club) (Pin 0:44
)3rd Place Match - William Price (Extreme Wrestling) won by decision over Kanyon Lee (Westlake Thunder) (Dec 9-5)

10 & Under 52 lbs. - Braden Meyer's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Quarterfinal - Brandon Corsaro (Team GV) won by major decision over Braden Meyer (Westlake Thunder) (Maj 9-0)
Cons. Round 1 - Hunter Covert (Parachute Grapplers) won by decision over Braden Meyer (Westlake Thunder) (Dec 12-5)

10 & Under 61 lbs. - Taylor Young's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Taylor Young (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Oakley Ridge (Mettle Wrestling) won by pin over Taylor Young (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 2:56)
Cons. Round 2 - Taylor Young (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 3 - Sammy Heywood (Wasatch) won by pin over Taylor Young (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 0:50)

10 & Under 64 lbs. - Caden Dunn's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Ryker Boyce (Wolfpack) won by pin over Caden Dunn (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 0:24)
Cons. Round 1 - Caden Dunn (Westlake Thunder) won by decision over Stewart Ballif (Wasatch) (Dec 17-10)
Cons. Round 2 - Caden Dunn (Westlake Thunder) won by pin over Connor Lisonbee (Duchesne Eagles) (Pin 1:02)
Cons. Round 3 - Mitchel Slack (Wasatch) won by decision over Caden Dunn (Westlake Thunder) (Dec 4-2)

12 & Under 88 lbs. - Matthew Brink's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Matthew Brink (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Brandyn Van tassell (Champions Wrestling Club) won by pin over Matthew Brink (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 1:10)
Cons. Round 2 - Matthew Brink (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 3 - Lawrence Vigil jr (Independent) won by pin over Matthew Brink (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 0:54)

12 & Under 100 lbs. - Brayton Valentine's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.Champ. Round 1 - Brayton Valentine (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Bailey Johnson (Champions Wrestling Club) won by pin over Brayton Valentine (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 2:29)
Cons. Round 2 - Brayton Valentine (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 3 - Stanton Peay (Cimarron Bad Boy Wrestling) won by pin over Brayton Valentine (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 0:31)

12 & Under 145 - Matthiew Holman's place is 6th and has scored 1.00 team points.
Quarterfinal - Zach Peacock (Payson Grappling Force) won by pin over Matthiew Holman (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 4:08)
Cons. Round 1 - Matthiew Holman (Westlake Thunder) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Semi - Victor Parra (Team GV) won by pin over Matthiew Holman (Westlake Thunder) (Pin 2:32)
5th Place Match - Sam Bailey (Team Palo) won by forfeit over Matthiew Holman (Westlake Thunder) (FF)

Lots of tough competition this weekend...................What Did We Learn?

Hotels for richfield

2012-01-11T15:10:00.001-08:00

I have an opening for one double queen room if anyone is interested. Or if anyone is going with just 2 people and would like to share a room that is also an option. Room is at the apple tree inn and is $55. Let me know asap.

Hotels for the beehive brawl tournament.

2012-01-10T11:21:00.001-08:00

Dear parents,

Just to let you know I only have 3 rooms left for the Richfield tournament. The tournament is the weekend of January 20-21. The rooms I have are $55 per night. I have 1 room at the days inn that is a double queen, and 2 rooms at the apple tree inn that are possibly only 1 king bed rooms. Ronald sure I hold a room for you I need paid either cash or check paid to me personally, because I have held the rooms with my own credit card.

Please let me know asap if you would like a room

Thanks,
Coach Josh

Parents meeting

2012-01-09T09:47:00.001-08:00

I would like to hold a parents meeting for the club on Tuesday night. If we could have all parents participate that would be great. I would like to discuss how to get information out more efficiently, as well as what is to come for the remainder of the season. I would also like to discuss the next season, which will be our "freestyle" season.

Thanks,
Coach Josh

Practice starts back up in January

2011-12-29T07:44:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break. Just a reminder we will be starting club practice back up next week. We will get back to normal practices on Tuesday, January 3rd at 4:30 pm.

Also the next tournament will be the Salt Lake Slam in Heber, UT on January 6th and 7th. All beginners will wrestle on Friday night at the Wasatch events center. Weigh-ins for beginners will be at the event center Friday night from 3-4pm with wrestling starting at 6pm. All advanced wrestlers must weigh-in Friday night at a satellite weigh-in site, or at the event center. If you choose to weigh in at the event center it will be held from 6-9. All advanced wrestlers will wrestle Saturday.

I will bring a list of satellite weigh-in sites to practice on Tuesday.

Warm ups

2011-12-20T17:33:00.001-08:00

The club warm ups are ready. The cost of the warm ups is $25 per set. If you sell 20 of the fundraiser books the warm ups are free. Please let me know how many sets you would like and what sizes. I also have adult size hoodies with the same design as the warm ups. The hoodies are $28 each.
The club singlets are also ready to order. The cost of the singlets is $55 each. The singlets are free if you sell 45 books. If you would like to order a singlet please let me know asap and get me the money as soon as you can. I can not place your order for a singlet until I have the money.

You can reach me on my cell phone almost anytime (801)857-7243, or my email jowhited@gmail.com

Thanks,

Club practice over the break

2011-12-19T17:43:00.001-08:00

We will have practice for the club over the winter break. The practice days will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:45-10:45. Their will be a tournament at Stansbury high school, on Wednesday the 21st starting at 6pm. We will not have practice the week between Christmas and New Years.

Thanks,

No practice tonight

2011-12-14T05:28:00.001-08:00

The club will not have practice tonight Wednesday, December 14th. Everyone in 4th grade and above is welcome to attend a 4 way dual at Pleasant Grove High School. The dual will start at 5:30. This will be a great way for your wrestlers to get in some extra matches before Saturday's tournament.

The tournament this saturday will be held at Westlake High School. This will be the best tournament of the season to attend. I hope everyone from our club will attend.

Bountiful Tournament Results

2011-12-13T12:53:00.000-08:00

Pre K-K
Cole Taylor 36-38 2nd place
Easton Green 38-40 3rd place
Kody Whited 43-45 1st place

1st grade
Nathan Elwell 38-40 1st place
Kyler Fisher 62-64 1st place

2nd Grade
Dayne Lee 50-52 1st place
Brett Orton 59-61 2nd place
Jacen Taylor 59-61 3rd place

4th beginner
Carson Hall 66-69 2nd place
Mason Orton 71-76 1st place

4th-6th advanced
Taylor Young 58-62 2nd place
Caden Dunn 62-63 3rd place

6th beginner
Ryan Orton 88-96 3rd place

7th-9th beginner
Matt Brink 75-86 1st place

7th-9th advanced
Jordan Taylor 120-125 2nd place

Congrats to all of our kids who participated in this tournament.

The next tournament will be at home in our High School.

Bountiful tournament

2011-12-10T15:14:00.001-08:00

Congrats to all of the kids who wrestled at the Bountiful tournament this Saturday. We had 15 kids attend the tournament and had a lot of success. I will be posting the results soon.

Updated Youth Ranking

2011-12-08T10:41:00.001-08:00

Congrats to all of the Wrestling Thunder wrestlers who are ranked in the state of Utah. Here is the updated list as of 12/8/2011 of our wrestlers.

Pre K/K
40 lbs Cole Taylor 5th
45 lbs Kody Whited 4th

1st/2nd
50 lbs Dayne Lee 4th

3rd/4th
60 lbs Taylor Young 8th
65 lbs Caden Dunn 6th

7th/9th
125 lbs Jordan Taylor 4th

Way to go wrestlers keep up the good work.

Wrestle Utah Wrestler of the week

2011-12-07T10:55:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Kody Whited for being named USA wrestle Utah wrestler of the week. Keep up the good work. Each week our club nominates a wrestler for wrestler of the week. Sometimes we make it and some times we don't. Their are a lot of tough wrestlers in the state of Utah.

No practice today

2011-12-07T06:56:00.001-08:00

We will be having a club dual with the Mettle team at Timpanogos high school. The dual starts at 5:30, pleas show up a little before the start time to get warmed up and ready.

Thanks,

Busy two week's for the club

2011-12-05T07:05:00.001-08:00

These next two weeks will be full of excitement for the club. We have practice Monday and Tuesday as normal, then no practice on Wednesday. We will be having a club dual at timpanogos high school at 5:30 on Wednesday, December 7th. All club kids are encouraged to attend.

The tournament for this Saturday is going to be at Bountiful high school.

Next week Monday and Tuesday practice as scheduled, then we will have a 4 way club dual at Plesant Grove high school starting at 5:30. This event will be Wednesday December 14th.

The following Saturday December 17th we will be hosting our home tournament. This will be held at Westlake high school. We encourage all club wrestlers who are not attending the Las Vegas tournament to please support our home tournament. Their is a $5 discount to all of our club wrestlers. Please see coach Josh for the discount info.

Thanks for everyones help and for having your children attend these tournaments.

No Practice Wednessday, December 7th

2011-11-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

We will not have practice on Wednessday, December 7th due to our club having a duel with the Timpanogos Mettle team at Timpanogos High School. The Dual will start at 5:30 pm. This will be a great event for every wrestler at every skill level to attend. The address for Timpanogos High School is 1450 N 200 E, Orem UT. Hope to see you their.

Tournaments for December 3rd

2011-11-28T11:15:00.001-08:00

This weekend we have two tournaments to choose from Freemont, or Murray. I will be attending the Murray tournament on Friday night, which will be the Fly, and all beginner wrestlers event. Saturday at Murray will be for all advanced wrestlers starting at 9am. I will not be able to attend the Saturday event, but our club will have coaches availableto coach your kids. As far as the freemont tournament your welcome to attend this event, but we may not have coaches available their.

Best of luck and see you at practice,

WrestleUtah.com Links

2011-11-06T21:40:00.001-08:00

Wrestleutah.com is your source for local competition information.

2011 - 2012 Youth Schedule

Youth Pre-Season Rankings

Why Wrestle?

2011-10-30T21:04:00.001-07:00

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2011 Wrestling Thunder Fall Camp

2011-10-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Online Registration Is Now Available!

Click Here to Register

Click Here for the Wrestling Thunder Fall Camp Flier

Click Here if you are unable to register online. You can print the PDF registration form and bring it to practice.

We Look Forward To Seeing You Monday!

Yard Sale Fundraiser

2011-10-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

On October 15th the High School Wrestling Team will have a Yard Sale at the Westlake High School Auxiliary Gym. On Friday (14th) we will be collecting items and transporting them to the high school. Please come support the wrestling team!

Go Here to see the Flier

Thanks,

Coach Burdett

Summer Wrestling Camp

2011-04-25T07:39:00.001-07:00

Summer Wrestling Camp
Overview:
This camp is designed for wrestlers at every experience level. Campers will have the opportunity to learn wrestling skills in all three positions (feet, top, bottom). The skills taught at this camp will be taught incrementally so that every wrestler will be able to grasp each skill.
The kids will love this camp, as the first hour and half of every session is dedicated to technique, and the last half hour will be focused on competitive games designed for fun and improved wrestling skills.

Youth Camp: Grades K through 5th
This camp will teach many of the beginning technique skills needed to build a base for a young new wrestler. The wrestlers will learn the rules to wrestling, what is the proper stance, motion, first contact, and a few moves from each position. We will have many Westlake wrestlers helping coach each wrestler. Fathers will be encouraged to participate with learning and teaching technique on the mat.

JR High/High School Camp: Grades 6th through 12th
Technique Camp explores all aspects of wrestling. We cover stance, set-ups, takedowns, throws, trips, defense and counter-offense. We stress high percentage scoring techniques that will improve every wrestler’s arsenal. All aspects of top wrestling will be covered including breakdowns, tilts, turns, legs and pinning. If you want to learn how to dominate your opponent from every position, then this camp is for you. This camp is open to wrestlers of all experience levels. All campers can benefit from the fundamentally sound techniques used at the Division I College level.

Registration: Register at www.wrestlingthunder.com starting May 2nd
Early Registration May 2 through June 13th
Sign up by June 13th $55.00
Same day registration June 15th $75.00

Schedule:
June 15: Youth Camp Session 1: 8:30-10:30am
Session 2: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
JR/HS Camp Session 1: 10:30 am - 12:30pm
Session 2: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

All Wrestlers Session 3: 5:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner and Movie in wrestling room

June 16: Youth Camp Session 1: 8:30-10:30
Session 2: 1:00pm – 3:00 pm
JR/HS Camp Session 1: 10:30 am - 12:30am
Session 2: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

2011-04-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

This weekends tournament is the Riverton / Lone Peak Tournament. The Tournament will be held at Riverton High School on Friday night for Greco and at Lone Peak High School on Saturday for Freestyle and Folkstyle. We will be using 4 man round robins as usual again for this tournament. The registration deadline is Thursday April 7th at 4pm MST. Be sure to get registered before then @ http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1899009. This is our last tournament before the Freestyle State Tournament which will be held April 15th and 16th at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington, Utah. You can register for the Freestyle State Tournament @ http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1901009. You will not want to miss out on the Freestyle State Tournament as this is going to be a great event for all!!

For all those wanting to be on the Utah National Teams I have attached a document that outlines some of the information for receiving financial help for the trips. You can find more information on our website at www.wrestleutah.com. Remember you need to have your deposits paid on trackwrestling.com and your waiver, code of conduct, and application in by April 16th to guarantee your spot on the teams. The paperwork can be found on our website.

--
Jeff Newby
USA Wrestling Utah
Executive Director
www.wrestleutah.com
801-358-4933

7th Annual Mountain Top Classic

2011-03-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

7th Annual Mountain Top Classic
Sanctioned by USA Wrestling and USA Wrestling-Utah
April 1–2, 2011
Jordan High School, 95 East Beetdigger Blvd. (9880 S.), Sandy, UT
Contact Bill Kilpack (801) 641-9832 • coach@mountaintopwrestling.com
www.MountainTopClassic.com

Preregistration Deadline Thursday, March 31, 5 p.m. MST
Satellite Weigh-Ins Only Thursday, March 31 by 8 p.m. MST
Must be a USA Wrestling-chartered club

Greco-Roman Tournament Friday, April 1, Entry Fee $12
Ages Flyweight (6 and Under) through Open Women’s Division for All Ages*
• Wrestling Begins at 6 p.m. for Flyweight, Bantam, Intermediate and Schoolboy and runs until completion
• Wrestling Begins at 7:30 p.m. for Novice, Cadet, Junior and Open and runs until completion
Greco-Roman Team Trophy Rosters must be submitted by 5:45 p.m.

Freestyle Tournament Saturday, April 2, Entry Fee $12
Ages Flyweight (6 and Under) through Open Women’s Division for All Ages*
• Wrestling Begins at 8:30 a.m. for Flyweight, Bantam, Intermediate and Schoolboy and runs until completion
• Wrestling Begins at 11 a.m. for Novice, Cadet, Junior and Open and runs until completion

Freestyle Team Trophy Rosters must be submitted by 8:15 a.m.
* Women’s Divisions will be compiled using group pairing, putting together brackets of similar age and weight.
Awards for Freestyle and Greco-Roman
• Outstanding Wrestler Award for Each Age Group (Flyweight through Junior)
• Fastest Pin Award
• Medals for the Top Six in each weight class
• Sportsmanship Awards (at Mat Offi cial’s discretion)
• Team Trophies for the Top Three Teams
• Two USAWOA Certified Officials (Mat or Pairing) required for each team’s eligibility for Team Trophy Competition.
Competition Guidelines

• Wrestlers must have a 2011 USA Wrestling Card* and Copy of Birth Certificate
• Red and Blue singlets or reversible singlets are required
• Wrestlers must have a handkerchief and taped shoe laces
• Coaches must have a 2011 USA Wrestling Coaches Card
• Mat Officials and Pairing Officials must have 2011 USWOA Stamp for Club Rebate and Team Trophy eligibility
• Pairing Room will be closed. Bracket sheets will be posted outside the Pairing Room.
* USA Wrestling Cards will NOT be available for purchase at registration — MUST be purchased online.
To
urnament T-Shirts! Outstanding Concessions, Wrestling T-Shirts and Equipment Available
Breakfast Available Saturday Morning.

This Weekend Tournament

2011-03-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Wrestlers / Parents

This next weekend, March 26th, USA Wrestling Utah is holding the USA Wrestling Utah Greco State Championships at Mountain View High School. This tournament is for all ages but is a qualifier for the Junior and Cadet division for our Utah Greco National Team that goes to Fargo, ND. It is also a secondary qualifier for schoolboy, cadets and juniors for our Utah National Dual teams. You can register @ http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1902009. Remember that for the State Tournaments there will be weight classes so you will need to sign up for a weight class. If you don't make weight on Saturday morning you can move to a different weight class. Friday night, March 25th, we will be having a freestyle tournament at Mountain View High School so be sure to attend both!

Remaining USA Wrestling Utah schedule:

March 25th - Mountain View Freestyle Tournament - Mountain View High School, Register @ http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1900009
March 26th - USA Wrestling Utah Greco State Championships - Mountain View High School, Register @ http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1902009
April 1st & 2nd - Mountain Top Classic - Jordan High School, Register @ http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1881009
April 8th & 9th - Riverton / Lone Peak Classic, Register @ Riverton/Lone Peak is set up. http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1899009
April 15th & 16th - USA Wrestling Utah Freestyle State Championships - Legacy Events Center - Farmington, Utah, Register @
http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1901009

--
Jeff Newby
USA Wrestling Utah
Executive Director
www.wrestleutah.com
801-358-4933

Up Coming Schedule

2011-03-15T08:03:00.001-07:00

This coming weekend, March 18th and 19th we will be having two tournaments; one at Bingham High School and one at Bear River High School. Registration closes at 4pm on Thursday March 17th so be sure to register as early as possible. To register for the Bear Den Tournament at Bear River go to http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1855009. To register for the Bingham Tournament go to: http://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/BasicPreReg1.jsp?tournamentGroupId=1880009. Be sure to put on your calendars Greco State on March 26th at Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah and Freestyle State on April 15th and 16th at the Legacy Center in Farmington, Utah.

Remaining USA Wrestling Utah schedule:

March 18th & 19th - Bingham / Bear Den
March 25th - Mountain View - Freestyle only
March 26th - Greco State - Mountain View High School
April 1st & 2nd - Mountain Top @ Jordan High School
April 8th - Riverton (Greco only)
April 9th - Lone Peak (Freestyle & Folkstyle)
April 15th & 16th - Freestyle State @ Legacy Center in Farmington

--
Jeff Newby
USA Wrestling Utah
Executive Director
www.wrestleutah.com
801-358-4933

Club Practice

2011-03-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

There will be no practice tonight since there is no school today. Practices will continue starting tomorrow, and just a reminder everyone practices at 4:30 now.

Tournament Tonight

2011-03-11T07:49:00.001-08:00

Pleasant Grove tournament starts tonight at 6 pm. Tonight will be folkstyle. Please come at least a 1/2 early to get warmed up.

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Club

2011-03-10T07:51:00.001-08:00

Reminder that weigh ins for this weekends tournament are tonight and will be held after practice.

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Tournament this weekend -

2011-03-09T06:27:00.000-08:00

Where: Pleasant Grove High School (2 gyms & Wrestling room)
200 south 700 east Pleasant Grove Utah 84062 (801)-785-8700 ext 147,

When: Friday March 11 & Saturday March 12

Who: USA wrestling members (USA card is required and must be purchased online) @ https://webpoint.themat.com
USA Athlete or Coach Card with processing fee $35 by credit card only

When you register online you print out your own USA Card. Print it on cardstock or laminate it so it is more durable.
However, if you loose it you can reprint it at any time.

Why: Fun, improve your wrestling skills, wrestle 9 matches 3 matches per style

Styles: Folkstyle (Friday) Greco (Saturday), Freestyle (Saturday),

Registration Pre-Registration Only: www.trackwrestling.com or www.wrestleutah.com
Pre-register before 4:00 pm MST on Thursday (3/10/11)

Cost: $12 for any 1 style
$24 for any 2 styles
$24 for all 3 styles (3rd style is free)

Weigh-ins: Weigh-ins will be in remote locations and will be hosted by sanctioned clubs.

Each club hosting a weigh-in site will be responsible for posting the weigh in time for their site.
Weigh-in at Pleasant Grove High School in the wrestling room from 6:00-6:30PM Thursday March 10
There will be no pre-determined weights.

Club

2011-03-08T06:50:00.001-08:00

All club wrestling will begin at 4:30 tonight.

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Club

2011-03-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

This Coming weekend March 11th and 12th is the Plesant Grove Tournament. Friday nite will be Folkstyle, starting at 6pm. Saturday will be Greco followed by Freestyle starting at 8 am. Anyone interested in wrestling in this tournament will need to sign up on www.trackwrestling.com before 4pm on thursday. Your child must also have a USA wrestling membership card which you can purchase at www.themat.com. Weigh-ins will be held in our wrestling room Thursday night between the two sessions @4:30 pm.

Club

2010-10-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

This year we plan to continue what we started last year. We had a large group of wrestlers involved in our club program. this year the fall camp is nearly complete. It started the first of October and will run through November 5th. I did not advertise as well as I should have and I feel bad about that. Next year we may run a fall camp over two weeks including half days on Saturday.

The winter camp is coming up and the following is some info on it.

Starts November 8 and runs for 3 Months
Sign up at Westlake HS wrestling room on
Nov 5 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Kids ages K through 8
$95.00 – Monday through Thursday,
Family discount $10 off for each wrestler after the first.
Membership includes: Thunder Wrestling T – Shirt
Free entry to Westlake Home Dual Meets (when
Accompanied by a parent and wearing a club shirt )

Monday through Thursday: 5:00pm – 6:15pm - Younger
Monday through Thursday: 6:15pm - 7:45pm - Older

We are going to have two practices in order to keep the numbers as small as possible.

IMPORTANT

2010-03-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

We are changing the practice times for the advanced class from 5:30-7:00 to 3:00-4:30. The younger kids that have school until 3:30 will come to the 4:30 practice. We will still be meeting on M,T,Th. So it will be as follows:

Older kids class 3:00 - 4:30 M,T,Th

Younger kids class 4:30 - 6:00
Option 1 4:30 - 6:00 T
Option 2 4:30 - 6:00 T,Th
Option 3 4:30 - 6:00 M,T,Th

This new schedule will give me more one on one with the younger kids and be better for the older kids schedule. I hope this new schedule works better for all involved.
Coach Burdett

Spring Wrestling Club

2010-02-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

Spring – Wrestling Thunder

The Wrestling Thunder Club is growing, we have had many come out for the fall and winter classes and the High School Wrestling team surpassed all expectations with how well they wrestled as a first year team. The winter class has had many wrestlers compete around the state and receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Wrestling Thunder will be offering three different classes this spring to strive to meet each families needs.

Spring Season runs from February 22 to April 14. Coaches will workout longer with those interested in competing in national events. The following options are not exclusive meaning if a 7 year old wrestler is very determined to compete at the highest level and will not be a distraction he could sign up for option 3. Please check the website for signup information over the next few weeks. (wrestlingthunder.com)

Option 1
This is for the youth that just getting introduced to wrestling. We will teach a foundation in wrestling and strive for a fun practice.
o Ages 4-7
o Practice once a week
o 4:00pm to 5:10pm on Tuesdays
o Cost $25 for 2 months
o Includes Shirt

Option 2
This is designed for the young wrestler that can focus and wants to start competing at tournaments. We will have fun at these practices but the idea is to really learn what it takes to compete and win at the sport of wrestling.
o Ages 7-11
o Practice twice a week
o 4:00pm to 5:10pm on Mondays and Wednesdays
o Cost $45 for 2 months
o Includes Shirt

Option 3
This is designed for the wrestler that wants to start competing at tournaments. We will learn all three style of wrestling and focus on learning to win. This is a great class to get ready for High School Wrestling.
o Ages 12 and UP
o Practice three times a week
o 5:30pm to 7:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
o Cost $60 for 2 months
o Includes Shirt

Tournament Schedule (Coach Burdett will be at all practices and Saturday tournaments) Please note the Westlake Tournament on March 26-27 and put it on your calendars. As part of the club we expect and hope all parents and wrestlers will help putting this tournament on.

Feb 26–27, 2010: Wasatch Tournament
March 5–6, 2010: Mountain Top Classic, Jordan High School, Sandy, UT.
March 12–13, 2010: Norm Sanderson Classic, Pleasant Grove High School
March 19–20, 2010: North Summit Tournament, North Summit High School
March 26–27, 2010: Westlake Tournament, Westlake High School
April 2, 2010: USA Wrestling-Utah Greco-Roman State Championships: Brighton High
April 16, 2010: USA Wrestling-Utah Folkstyle State Championships: Viewmont High. April 17, 2010: USA Wrestling-Utah Freestyle State Championships: Viewmont High School, Bountiful, UT.

Stallion Stampede

2010-01-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

Home Dual v. Mtn. View

2010-01-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

Westlake Video Production Clip

2009-12-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

This is a clip that the TV/Video Production team put together from our 1st Home Dual against Mountain View. They did a really great job and we look forward to more of these clips.

Stansbury High Dual

2009-12-17T10:16:00.001-08:00

Juab Tournament

2009-12-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

2009-12-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Jacob Whited 3rd place, Taylor Young 4th place and Kobe Madson 2nd place at this last Saturdays tournament. Great Job!!

WHS 1st Wrestle Off

2009-11-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

This Saturday 11/21 we will hold our first wrestle off for the spots on the J.V. and Varsity wrestling teams. Wrestlers need to be at the High School at 8 am with wrestle-offs starting at 9:00 am. All eligible wrestlers should plan on participating.

Parent Meeting

2009-11-17T13:27:00.001-08:00

WHS Wrestling Parent Information Meeting

Wednesday, November 18th at 6:30 pm

Westlake H.S. Wrestling Room.

Winter Thunder Wrestling Club

2009-11-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

The winter wrestling club starts November 16 at 5:00pm. Coach Burdett will be running practices right after the High School practice. This is for ages K-9 and is for all experience levels. The cost is $90 for three months with practices on M,T,W,TH. Register on line at wrestlingthunder.com. The practices are flexible so you can come to all four practices a week or one practice a week, do whatever works best for your sons interest level and your schedule.

Wrestle for a Pizza Party

2009-11-01T10:05:00.000-08:00

November 6th the Jr. Wrestling Club will be meeting at 5:30pm to enjoy the 1st annual Wrestle for Pizza Party. We will wrestle a round robin tournament and end with eating some pizza. Coach Burdett will provide the pizza and parents can bring anything else.

High School Wrestling

2009-11-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

We will be starting a morning practice starting Monday the 2nd at 6:00am to 7:00am. Afternoon practice starts on Monday the 9th be in wrestling room at 2:45pm to 5:00pm. Pick up the wrestling packets at the office.

"If you never try you can never succeed. If you try and do the best you can, you will never fail."
Jim Rogers NBA Coach

2009-10-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

If you have any wrestling shoes collecting dust or other wrestling equipment, why not donate them to the Wrestling Thunder Club. Any wrestling gear will go directly to the wrestlers in need of the equipment. Contact Coach Burdett to donate.

2009-10-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

IT'S NOT TOO LATE

You can still register on line or come to practice on Monday at 4:00pm or 5:30pm

2009-10-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

NOTE: WE MAY CHANGE THE STARTING TIMES FOR THE CLASSES IF NEEDED. MAYBE FROM 4:00PM TO 4:30PM. On October 8th Wrestling Thunder Club is coming to the area. Coach Burdett the new head coach at Westlake High School and is committed to building a great wrestling tradition. A major building block is developing a strong youth wrestling program. On the 8th of Oct. you can come to Westlake and register at the north/east school entrance. You can also sign up at wrestlingthunder.com. Wrestling will start on Oct. 12 and 13th. We want the kids to have a great experience so we are limiting each class to 30 wrestlers. Coach Burdett will be the head coach and will have additional coaches and high school wrestlers helping. The following is some additional information
Jr. Thunder
• Starts in October 12th, 13th and runs for 4 weeks
• Kids ages K through 8
• Cost is $65 which includes T-Shirt
• Prizes will be given out weekly for different accomplishments
• Practice two nights a week for 1 1/2 hours
• 4 sessions are available and only 30 wrestlers per session.
• M, W 4:00 – 5:30, 5:30 – 7:00, T, TH 4:00 – 5:30, 5:30 – 7:00
• Introduction to wrestling, some limited competition
• Need: A good attitude and lots of energy
Each Friday all classes will get together and wrestle.

Wrestling Thunder Status

2009-10-03T15:34:00.001-07:00

We are starting registrations for Winter Thunder which is a K-9 wrestling program. Starting November 19th and running through February. See Winter Club post for more information.

I have been working with Essential Website Design to develop wrestlingthunder.com. They have donated many hours of time to develop this site. If you have any need for web design, please give then a shot. The idea is to have a site that can do several things. We will feature a wrestler of the week, post results of each competition, roster information, and calendars. We will have a system that the team/parents can upload video and the coaching staff will be able to review each match and make comments. This will be a great coaching tool. We will also have managers reasonable for taking pictures and video at competitions and practices. We will be able to upload those photos and videos, parents will have access to them to download or even order prints through smugmug.com which is linked through the web site. I am trying to do all the things I wish I had as a wrestler’s parent.

We have begun preparing for the upcoming High School season. We had a wrestling meeting a few weeks ago and had over fifty students show up all expressing interest in wrestling and I had around 15 girls show up interested in being a manager. I have had more students come to me since. All told I have around 80 students in an email contact list and around 20 girls. Several students came to me and wanted to start conditioning. So this week we started at 6:00 am to 7:00am. We have had between 25 – 30 students each day. Good turn out for that early and not being required.

I had a managers meeting this week and laid out all the actives I would like help with. Here is a quick list: wrestler of the week to trophy case and web, result to the web, photos to web and case, stats, video to web, pre-practice help, duals – pre-music- singing national anthem-programs-concession, etc. As many that want to help, I can put them to work.

In the next few weeks we will be starting on the parents and developing a list for them. Anna Butler will be the booster club president.

Coach Burdett

Put More Time Into Defensive Wrestling by Cary Kolat

2009-09-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

I'm all for offensive wrestling and I want everyone I coach to put points on the board but I don't want to just win matches, I want to win championships.

The Europeans approach the sport differently and it gives them an advantage. We have trained ourselves falsely to look at defensive wrestling as a lack of guts, lack of hard work, even a lack of character on the part of the wrestler that chooses a defensive style.

I can wrestle any style I choose to wrestle. I can be on the attack, I can run the middle road and shift gears offense to defense, or I can be total defense. most defensive wrestlers like to frustrate opponents and get them to force action and then capitalize on their mistakes with counter offenses. this is their game and this is where americans fall short in international competition against the best wrestlers in the world.

Not that I like to remember these days, but when I was in college wrestling in open competitions John Fisher consistently beat me with a defensive wrestling strategy. John would sit back and look for mistakes while I continued to press the action. Each time I lost to him the bout was 1-0 or 0-0 at about the 3-minute point. Eventually I got so frustrated and tired that I made the mistake of forcing action. John Fisher was an experienced wrestler on the senior level and he understood defensive wrestling and how to use it to his advantage to take me out of my comfort zone.

Defensive wrestling or counter offensive wrestling, however you refer to it, is very important in high-level competition. This strategy will apply to all athletes with few exceptions, maybe John Smith (6x World Champion) or Satiev (9x World Champion) are extraordinary competitors with a total offense style. But even Satiev was beaten by Brandon Slay of the USA in the 2000 Olympics with Brandon’s defensive strategy. In international competition on the open level this strategy must be studied.

Wrestler 1 spends: 80% of his time on offensive wrestling and 20% on defensive wrestling. He works on 50 different takedowns offensively and then your normal sprawl, stance, re-shot. Offensively there are so many attacks on your feet and set-ups that it takes years to master these and perfect them.

Wrestler 2 spends: 80% of his time on counter offensive wrestling and 20% on true offensive wrestling. He focuses training on defending the shot and then countering the attack. He spends this time on his stance, sprawl, and the other elements of defense, which are not as hard to grasp as the offensive positions. His offensive 20% is focused on the high crotch, double, single, and snap & spin. These are the same moves he will use in his counter offensive wrestling.

The elements of defensive wrestling are so much easier to master than the offensive elements. What if wrestler 1 & 2 are even when it comes to speed, balance and strength. If they both start wrestling tomorrow and prepare to compete against each other in 6 months, who will win? To be fair, lets say that wrestler 1 is only going to focus on 20 moves on his feet. Wrestler 2 has built his defense and focused his re-shots on the same techniques he used in his offensive training. So wrestler 2 can focus more time on wearing you down, frustrating you, defending leg attempts and re-shooting.

How many repetitions does wrestler 1 have spread over 20 shots for 6 months? Has he really mastered all 20 shots? I don't think there would be a drastic difference between these two wrestlers and if they wrestled 10 matches I think it's 6-4 in favor of the defensive wrestler (it’s my blog so I'm winning this argument) being all things equal when they start. If 3-2 represents the score of one match then you stopped one takedown in there during the bout and scored one more of your own on counter offense, winning the championship. Does it really matter if you win the World, Olympic, or NCAA title by a 2-point margin or one takedown?

How do you shift gears and build into both an offensive and defensive wrestler? You build offense over years, not in a season, not in months, and not overnight. If you learn to shoot a single with two set-ups then you have two single legs not just a single. Next season, you add three more set-ups and now you have five singles. You get the point and this is true for all your offensive takedowns.

When I created KOLAT.COM a friend who has more NCAA titles than me (I won't mention his name) said, "how does your single leg series have 75 clips in it?" I gave him the breakdown that I just gave you in the paragraph above and he understood. He already knew this but needed to be reminded. Wrestling comes easy to some of us and we don’t think of it in terms of a different takedown with each set-up but that is truly what it is when you change the set-up or as they say, "there is more than one way to skin a cat."

This article is meant for those who are interested in aiming for the highest level of wrestling competition on a world stage. It will be beneficial to all wrestlers, but if you are attempting to become one of the best in the world, defense wins the championships.

Now don't read this blog and run out and change your training to 80/20 on the defensive side. But do take note and realize that defense is an integral part of the sport. If you are a beginner wrestler in the sport 80/20 might be a good rule for you to get started in the competition and then begin building your offense over time. If they can't score on you, it's going to be really tough to beat you!

cary kolat

Wanted: Volunteers for all Programs

2009-09-24T20:28:00.002-07:00

For the upcoming Wrestling Season we are looking for anyone interested in wrestling to help out with both Jr. Thunder Wrestling and Westlake HS Wrestling. We need volunteer coaches and help generally with building the program. Please contact Coach Burdett if you are interested.

Mental Toughness

2009-09-24T20:28:00.001-07:00

What is Mental Toughness and how to Develop It?

David Yukelson, Ph.D., Coordinator of Sport Psychology Services
Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes, Penn State University
What is Mental Toughness? Quotes from Penn State Student-Athletes:

“Mental toughness is doing whatever is necessary to get the job done including handling the demands of a tough workout, withstanding pain, or touching an opponent out at the end of a race.”
– Jennifer Eberst, Women’s Swimming& Diving

"You can't be a good swimmer without being mentally tough. You wouldn't make it through a single workout if you weren't. Swimmers must have the mental ability to let go of what their body feels and focus on the race, their stroke, or anything else that helps them finish the race."
– Sally Anderson, Women's Swimming & Diving

"Mental toughness is not letting anyone break you." – Jimi Mitchell, Football

“Mental toughness is not being affected by anything but what’s going on in the game or competition no matter what coaches, other players, or refs are doing. It’s being able to block out what’s not important.”
– Jenny Brenden, Women’s Basketball

Definition: Mental toughness is having the natural or developed psychological edge that enables you to:
Generally cope better than your opponents with the many demands (e.g., competition, training, lifestyle) that are placed on you as a performer. Specifically, to be more consistent and better than your opponents in remaining determined, focused, confident, resilient, and in control under pressure (Jones et al, 2002)

Key psychological characteristics associated with mentally tough elite athletes
Jones et al (2002):
• Self-Belief:
Having an unshakable belief in your ability to achieve competition goals
Unique qualities that make you better than your opponents.
• Motivation:
Having an insatiable desire and internalized motivation to succeed (you really got to want it)
Ability to bounce back from performance setbacks with increased determination to succeed.
• Focus:
Remain fully focused on the task at hand in the face of competition-specific distractions
Able to switch f affected by others performance or your own internal distractions (worry, negative mind chatter)
• Composure/Handling Pressure:
Able to regain psychological control following unexpected evenor distractions
Thriving on the pressure of competition (embracing pressure, stepping into the moment)
Accept that anxiety is inevitable in competition and know you can cope with it

Key component of mental toughness is learning how to condition your mind to think confidently and be able to overcome frustration/self-critical negativity (reframe self-talk into what it is you want to occur)

• Yukelson Nugget: Don’t allow frustration to undermine your confidence or focus
Importance of Being Positive:

“You can program yourself to be positive. Being Positive is a discipline … and the more adversity you face, the more positive you have to be. Being positive helps build confidence and self-esteem”
Rick Pitino, University of Louisville Head Basketball Coach

Developing Mental Toughness
1. Starts with the right attitude and state of mind (know what your core confidence is all about):
• Confidence comes in knowing your are prepared and having an unshakable belief in your abilities to reach intended goals
• Also linked to mentality of being a “Competitive Warrior”
• Jerry Lynch (2002): “Confidence is about who puts it on the line, who has the courage to compete like a warrior without fear of failure”
• Courage to leave it all out on the athletic field, play with heart, determination, and full focus

2. Program your mind for success ahead of time with positive affirmations and expectations
• Expect the best from yourself; affirm what it is you are going to do to be successful
o Confident goal oriented statements starting with “I will, I can, I am going to…”)
o Focus on those things you want to occur, rather than things you’re afraid might go wrong
• Script Success: Visualize yourself performing the way you want (confident, energized, full focus)

3. Routinize Your Behaviors: Develop a systematic pre-performance routine that clicks on desired mental-emotional state of mind (practice, pre-game, competition)
• Practice (once you walk through the gate, you commit yourself to giving it everything you have the entire practice – this includes making a commitment to listening, learning, executing skills/drills with precision and full focus)
• Pre-game competition – develop a systematic routine for engineering the environment and getting yourself ready
• During Competition (once you walk b/w the lines, you are committing yourself to being mentally tough and a great competitor throughout the entire game).

4. Poise and Composure: learn how to let go of mistakes quickly if things do not go the way you want
• Key part of mental training is about compensating, adjusting, and trusting
• If plan A does not work, go to plan B or C
• Use of “Focal Points” are effective to help focus attention back onto task at hand
• Be persistent and mentally tough, don’t allow frustration to undermine your confidence/focus

5. Take control of Negative Self-Talk: Reframe “stinking thinking” into positive task oriented suggestions
• Starts with awareness of situations that cause you to get frustrated, rushed, intimidated, lose focus – then reframe the negativity into positive, mentally tough self-suggestions:
• Basketball: Instead of “I can’t hit that shot if my life depended on it”, let go, reframe it back into something more positive and task oriented “get a good look at the basket, see it, feel it, trust it”
• Baseball pitcher pressing, “I can’t get my change up working today”, reframe it, step off the rubber, breathe, refocus, visualize the feel of good release point and follow through, say to yourself “this one is going to drop off the shelf”
• Field Hockey player consumed w/negative thoughts, worried about messing up “This girl is so quick, I can’t shake her”, reframe -“win the tackle, aggressive to the ball, do the simple”
• Ineffective outside hitter in volleyball – “keep bringing it, aggressive swings, read and react, fly to the ball”

6. Look at failure as a stepping stone for future achievement:
Champions approach to overcoming adversity: Play to win as opposed to fear making mistakes
He missed 9000 shots, missed 26 game winning shots, lost 300 games - Michael Jordan, NBA 6 time World Champion “I failed over and over, that is why I succeed”
• Focus on the process of competing well, winning will take care of itself

7. Be a difference maker, step up and have a peak performance when it matters the most

Self-Reflective Assignment: Sustaining Self-Belief – Preparing for Future Events:
In the foreseeable future, what things are likely to affect your confidence and self-belief?
What will you do about it?

Westlake Wrestling Schedule

2009-09-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Our wrestling schedule is complete. We are going to have three home duals and three away duels. We will be going to five tournaments not counting Region and State. In December we will go to two dual tournaments which means we will wrestle as a team and progress in the brackets as a team. These are nice because each wrestler will get as many as five matches a day win or lose.
In December we will have three double elimination tournaments. These will help prepare us for the Region and State. The Rocky Mountain Tournament is at UVU and will simulate the State tournament as close as you can get.
It will be FUN.
Coach Burdett

Essentials to Becoming a Champion

2009-09-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

By Warren Applegate

1. Be academically eligible. If you are you aren't allowed to compete you can't be a champion no matter how good you are.

2. Be strong enough to not be over-powered by any opponent. It isn't necessary to be the strongest wrestler, but it helps. You need enough upper body strength to neutralize your strongest opponent's attempts to over power you.

3. Be in as good or better condition than any of your opponents. Being able to wrestle as hard the last 10 seconds of the match as the first 10 seconds is very important Countless numbers of matches in the NCAA tournament have been settled by someone getting a takedown or escape just before time ran out.

4. Have a superior leg attack defense. The highest percentage takedowns are leg attacks i.e. single leg, double leg, high crotch, Ankle pick, inside and outside fireman's carry. If you can stop all of the takedown attempts of any opponent you can wrestle more aggressively.

5. Have a superior defense on bottom. You cannot get ridden for more than 15 seconds if you want to be a successful college wrestler. A inside leg standup is probably the most common escape used at the college level. You also can't let your opponent break you down or turn you for a nearfall or pin.

6. Master a leg attack series. A single leg or double leg takedown should be the first takedown you master.

7. Master a breakdown/ride. It is important to be able to control your opponent on the mat. In many cases it will be necessary to win by 1 point. In college riding time frequently determines who wins the match.

8. Master a pinning combination series. Half nelsons, cradles, chicken wings, etc. You need to know how to set up your opponent so he'll fall into a pin hold before he realizes it.

9. There will be times when there is less than one minute left in a match and you are trailing by 3 or more points. In these situations a leg takedown isn't going to win the match for you, it will only make the score closer. You need a 5-point move from the down and neutral position in these situations. This is when it is time to pull something out of your "bag of tricks". It will be a move that is fundamentally sound, but is not frequently seen by most wrestlers.

10. Last, but certainly not least is mental toughness. In my opinion wrestling is 90 percent mental. The successful wrestlers in college or at the world level are pretty equal in terms of technical skills. Occasionally there will be one superior athlete compared to the others. However, it usually comes down to the wrestler who wants to win the most that determines the outcome of a match. I've seen wrestlers who weren't as good as athletes as other wrestlers, but they found ways to win. A wrestling match is a test of "wills", if you keep constant pressure on your opponent throughout the entire match eventually almost all of them will give up at some point, because they are exhausted physically and/or mentally.

THE LOSS THAT MADE THE MAN

2009-09-24T20:17:00.002-07:00

On Saturday, March 28, 1970, Dan Gable of Iowa State lost to Larry Owings of the University of Washington in the 142-pound weight class at the 1970 NCAA Wrestling Championships in Evanston, Ill. Gable, a senior, entered the match with a perfect career record of 181-0-0 through high school and college.

In chemistry class, he wrote scouting reports in his notebook: height, weight and record of his next opponent; lists of the guy's tendencies; stick-figure sketches of moves and counters. He marked time between one match and the next the way they do at Cape Canaveral. The countdown began when the referee held up his arm after a win. Every second, every day, every gesture and ritual from that moment on ticked him closer to zero hour: The next time the whistle blew. No variation. No distractions.

Dan Gable, right, had a leg up on every wrestler he faced ... until the final match of his collegiate career.

Gable's older sister, Diane, had been murdered when he was a high school sophomore. He knew who had done it even before the police told him. He'd had a bad feeling about the guy. Maybe if he'd said something earlier, he could have saved her. He couldn't bring her back. He could only wrestle. "I was wrestling to recover, to lift my family up somehow," he says. "I thought every match could make things a little better." No variation. No distractions.

And then, with one match to go, he wavered. Three days before the final, he read a headline: Owings said he had come to the tournament to beat him. Gable never read headlines. Why now? Two nights before the match, he attended a banquet in which he was honored as wrestling's man of the year. He never went to banquets. He didn't care about awards. Why now? In his early matches in the tournament, he found himself glancing up, eyeballing Owings on another mat. He never looked anywhere but straight through the heart of his opponent. Why now?

Thirty minutes before the final, when he should have been going through his routine, 10-9-8 ..., he was taping a television interview, stumbling through takes in which he looked into the camera and tempted the fates: "Hi, I'm Dan Gable. Come watch me finish my career 182-0." Why now? And on the mat with Owings, even when he had a lead midway through the third period, he heard conversations going on in the crowd, noticed people moving in the stands. He was elsewhere. Why now?

"I don't know. I got caught up. I got distracted," he says. "I wasn't doing anything the way I normally would, and I'm really not sure why." Maybe he got a little full of himself. Maybe he hadn't made Owings a goal, a target, the way Owings had focused on him. Maybe the pressure to win every single time out (he had gone undefeated in winning three consecutive Iowa state titles at West Waterloo High School, too: 64-0) finally broke something inside him. Maybe the weight of Diane's memory was something he had to finally put down. It could have been all these things, he thought.

Washington's Larry Owings, left, was the only wrestler who ever felt what it was like to have his hand raised against Gable.

He stood there on the mat, watching Owings' hand go up. Can't even remember if he said anything to him. Didn't know what to do. There was no way to mark time now. No next match. No countdown. He was lost. The guilt hit him in waves, first for letting his family down by losing, and then, all over again, for letting harm come to his sister. "I didn't know until then how connected they were in my mind," he says.

The drive back to campus was quiet. He couldn't speak. Had no idea what to say. He walked into Beyer Hall, the recreation center at Iowa State, went up to the wrestling room and found someone who would get down on the mat with him. No variation. No distractions. "I was still good," he says. "That kind of shocked me. It made me know I could go on."

He went on to win at the World Freestyle Championships in 1971. In 1972, he won an Olympic gold medal in Munich. And beginning in 1976, he became the most successful coach in the history of collegiate sports, leading the University of Iowa to 15 NCAA titles and 21 consecutive Big Ten crowns.

The losses, first Diane and then the match to Owings, made him. He didn't just go on, he got better. That was the hardest part, he says. The focus came at such a high price, with so much hurt underneath.

You ask him: What is perfection? What has it meant to chase it for so long?

He's still in pursuit, he says: "If I could figure out how I could have gone back and saved Diane, and how I could have gone back and not had that loss in that tournament, and still gone on to be the same person I am today, that would be perfect."

Eric Neel is a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine.

Off Season Training

2009-09-24T20:17:00.001-07:00

Season is Coming to a Close, Now What? Author: Steven Hoffmann

The season is coming to a close and the freestyle season is beginning, and many ask, “what should I do if I want to do better next year?” Should you continue competing throughout the freestyle season, or should you take a break and come back again fresh next fall? Maybe you should spend the spring and summer focused on strength training. Maybe you should attend camps and clinics to learn new technique. What really is the best thing to do in spring and summer to become a champion?

Well, when I was in kids wrestling, there was no “folk style” season. My season began in February and ended in July. I usually then took a break until September or October and then simply had daily “practices” and “workouts” until it began again in February the following year. In high school, I would end my high school season and almost immediately begin freestyle and Greco-Roman competition. Maybe I might take a week or two off completely, but most likely I would still go out for a jog or do some weight lifting.

I would try to attend at least 2 camps and maybe 2 or 3 clinics every single year. I felt it was absolutely vital to my success to try and learn as much about the technique of wrestling as I could. Maybe I wouldn’t use everything I learned, although most of it I actually was able to add to my abilities through effective visualization and drilling, but it would also show me all the possibilities out there so that I could be prepared for almost anything when I got on the mat with any opponent.

I learned early on that it was possible to win the vast majority of matches simply by knowing techniques that your opponents did not know, or did not know well enough. If they were unfamiliar with the technique, it was unlikely they would be able to effectively counter it. I recall that before my junior year in high school, I obtained a video on the “half-nelson series”. Now, I know EXACTLY what you are thinking… Half-nelson?

Yes, I learned the half-nelson when I was 8 years old. In fact, it was the first move I ever learned. But this was a whole new series of how to use leverage and angles to effectively apply the half-nelson at a higher level. I worked on the series throughout the off-season, and when the season started, I began using it in my matches. One-by-one I was able to score and pin opponent after opponent with a simple half nelson because no one had ever seen it applied in this way. No one knew how to effectively counter it.

This is a huge advantage that you can gain over your competition in the off season. I highly suggest camps, clinics, training videos, books, or whatever you can do to increase your knowledge of wrestling techniques while in the off season. But this is not enough by a long shot. In my opinion, off season competition is vital for anyone who wished great improvement and success. Does this mean you can’t be a State Champion without wrestling freestyle? No. It has been done and will be done again. Will your chances by 100 times higher if you wrestle freestyle? There is no question. I cannot think of a single wrestler that was on the first string with me at the University of Wisconsin, nor one single wrestler that was first string in any division I school that did not wrestle freestyle in the “off season”. Competition makes you better. Period!

Finally, what about the other stuff like drilling and weight lifting? This is what I did on MY real off season. In that time from August to about October, I spent my time increasing muscle mass, keeping in good condition with nice easy 3 or 4 mile jogs, and drilling. Most of the drilling I did was through visualization, which is a whole other topic for another post, but I would also drill against an invisible opponent on our mats in our garage, or even get with my buddies maybe once a week to drill and go over the new techniques we had learned.

Bottom line, champions are not champions from November to February. I never stopped wrestling. I stopped competing for a while. Maybe slowed down. I would take the pressure off by just having nice easy practices, or just lie down on a lawn chair while getting a tan and visualize for an hour or so. But I always had one simple thing nagging me in the back of my mind:

While I am drilling these new techniques, or visualizing, or lifting weights, or going to camps… While I am doing all these things, my opponents are eating ice cream and playing video games. And when next season comes, I will be the one getting my hand raised, and they will be wondering why they weren’t able to compete with me.

Even to this day, some 15 years after my last competition, I smile when I think about that. If you are smiling too, then you know the answers to the questions I raised at the start of this post.

Be the Champion, and everyone will be dumbfounded trying to figure out how the heck you did it. Good Luck!

FOOTBALL AND WRESTLING

2009-09-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

YOU CANNOT IGNORE THE CONNECTION! WRESTLING CAN AND WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER FOOTBALL PLAYER. THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL SKILLS YOU DEVELOP IN WRESTLING WILL MAKE YOU BETTER ON THE FIELD.

10 GREAT REASONS FOOTBALL PLAYERS SHOULD WRESTLE:

1. Learn to set and accomplish goals.

2. Improve strength.

3. Improve agility.

4. Improve mental toughness (maintain your competitive edge).

5. Learn to stay low and drive through your opponent.

6. The best wrestler get’s the spot.

7. Improve dedication.

8. Improve motivation.

9. Improve flexibility.

10. No favorites.

NFL PLAYERS THAT WRESTLED (AND THESE ARE JUST THE ONES WE KNOW OF):

Alex Stepanovich
Nick Leckey - TX State Champ
Gregory Walker - State Finalist
Jonathan Condo
Zachary Wilson
Chris Laskowski Luis Castillo, DT, San Diego Chargers (First Round Pick)
Lincoln "Drew" Hodgdon, C, Houston Texans - CA State Champ
Nick Hardwick
Fred Weary, C, Houston Texans - AL State Champ
Coy Wire, SS, Buffalo Bills - PA State Champ
Kevin Breedlove - SC State Finalist
Kevin Sampson - NJ State Champ
Benjamin Claxton - GA State Finalist
Trevor Johnson
Clinton "C.J." Brooks, Jr.
Tai Tupai
Leon Robinson - GA State Runner-Up
Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons - 2x SC State Champ (First Round Pick)
Eric Ghiaciuc, C, Cincinatti Bengals - MI State Champ
Joey Hildbold
Adam Seward, ILB, Carolina Panthers - NV State Champ
Cody Johnson
Rodney Michael
Marques Harris - CO State Champ
Larry Turner
Andrew "Tyler" Lenda - District Champ
Tim Anderson - OH State Champ
Tony Pape
Matt Roth - IA State Champ
Mike Patterson, DT, Philadelphia Eagles (First Round Pick)
David Pollack
Tim Burrough - OK State Champ
Antoineo Harris - IL State Champ
Claude Harriott
Scott Wells - TN State Champ
Alex Lewis - District Cham
Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami Dolphins (#2 Pick)
Rodney Leisle
Nick Newton
Sean Tufts
Brian Save
Kevin Atkins
Josh Minkins - District Runner-up
Tim Euhus
Andrew Tidwell-Neal - MN State Champ
Renaldo Works
Patrick "Bucky" Bab**** - IL State Champ
Morgan Pears
Art Baker, RB, Buffalo Bills
Rhonde Barber, SS, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tiki Barber, RB, New York Giants
Walter Barnes, DL, Washington Redskins - SEC Champ
Eric Bateman, OL, New York Jets
Harris Benton
Brad Benson, New York Giants – PA State Champ
Ryon Bingham – Utah State Champion for Alta High
Greg Boone, RB, Oakland Raiders
Jeff Bostic*, C, Washington Redskins – SC State Champ
Tedy Bruschi*, ILB, New England Patriots
Phil Bryant, Philadelphia Eagles – 2x National Prep Champ
Ralph Cindrich, Houston Oilers – PA State Runner-Up
Jonathan Condo, LS, Dallas Cowboys - PA State Champ, Dapper Dan Champ
Tom Cousineau*, LB, Cleveland Browns – 3rd State
Tom Covert*, OT, Chicago Bears
Chris Cooley, WR, Wash. Redskins – Utah State Champion for Logan High, High School All-American
Roger Craig*, RB, San Francisco 49’ers
Damien Covington, LB, Buffalo Bills
Curley Culp*, DL, Kansas City Chiefs – NCAA Champ Larry Czonka**, RB, Miami Dolphins
Rob Davis, ST, Green Bay Packers
Dan Dierdorff**, OT, St. Louis Cardinals
Donnie Edwards, OLB, San Diego Chargers
Carl Edwards, San Diego Chargers – 3x MD State Champ
Rob Essink, Seattle Seahawks – NCAA DII Champ
Jim Everett, QB, New Orleans Saints
DeMarco Farr, St. Louis Rams
Patrick Flannery, OL, Houston Oilers
Ed Flanagan, C, Detroit Lions
Terrell Fletcher, RB, San Diego Chargers
Bill Fralic*, G, Atlanta Falcons
Doug France*, LT, Los Angeles Rams – OH State Runner-Up
Frank Garcia, C, St. Louis Rams – 2x AZ State Champ William George, Chicago Bears – 2x PA State Champ Charlie Getty, RG, Kansas City Chiefs – 2x NCAA All-American
John Gilmore, TE, Chicago Bears
Kevin Glover*, C, Detroit Lions
La’Roi Glover*, DE, Dallas Cowboys
Mike Goff, G, Cincinnati Bengals
Bob Golic*, DT, Cleveland Browns – OH State Champ Mike Golic, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
Darien Gordon, PR/CB, Denver Broncos
Scottie Graham, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Tim Green, DE, Atlanta Falcons
Kelly Gregg, NT, Baltimore Ravens, 3x KS State Champ
Morlon Greenwood, OLB, Miami Dolphins
Archie Griffin, HB, Cincinnati Bengals
Nick Griesen, LB, New York Giants
Randy Grossman, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
John Hannah**, G, New England Patriots
John Hartunian
Carlton Haselrig*, Pittsburgh Steelers, 3x NCAA Champ Ron Heller, TE, Seattle Seahawks
Chad Hennings, DT, Dallas Cowboys – IA State Champ Jay Hilgenberg*, C, Chicago Bears – IA State Runner-Up
Orlando Huff, MLB, Seattle Seahawks
Corey Hulsy, G, Oakland Raiders
Bo Jackson*, RB, Oakland Raiders
Mario Johnson, DT, New England Patriots
Dahanie Jones, LB, New York Giants
Henry Jordan**, DT, Green Bay Packers
Dave Joyner, OL, Green Bay Packers
John Jurkovich*, DT, Cleveland Browns
Alex Karras, Detroit Lions
Tim Krumrie*, DL, Cincinnati Bengals – WI State Champ
Ernie Ladd, DL, Kansas City Chiefs
Nick Lecky, C, - KS State Champ (in 2004 NFL Draft) Jess Lewis, LB, Houston Oilers
Ray Lewis*, Baltimore Ravens – 2x FL State Champ Ronnie Lott**, DB, San Francisco 49’ers
Kirk Lowdermilk*, OL, Minnesota Vikings
Sean Mahan, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Malczyk, LS, New York Giants
Joel Mackavicka, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Steve Martin, DT, Houston Texans
Mickey Marvin, RG, Oakland Raiders
Napolean McCallum, RB, Oakland Raiders
Randle McDaniel*, G, Minnesota Vikings
Mark McDonald, SS, Arizona Cardinals
Chris McIntosh, T, Seattle Seahawks
Bryant McKinnie, T. Minnesota Vikings
Greg Meisner, DL, Los Angeles Rams
Matt Millen*, LB, Oakland Raiders
Ronald Moore, RB, Cleveland Browns
James Mungro, HB, Indianapolis Colts
Jim Nance, FB, New England Patriots – NCAA Champ Lorenzo Neal, FB, Tennessee Titans - NCAA Champ
Stephen Neal, OL, New England Patriots – NCAA Champ
Jeremy Newberry, C, San Francisco 49’ers
Haloti Ngata – 2nd State at Highland High
Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh Steelers – PA State Champ
Leo Nomellini*, T, San Francisco 49’ers – Big 10 Champ
Jonathan Ogden*, OT, Baltimore Ravens
Irv Pankey, Los Angeles Rams – 2x MD State Champ David Patten, WR, New England Patriots
Scott Peters, G, New York Giants
Bob Pickens, OL, Chicago Bears
Jim Plunkett*, QB, Oakland Raiders
Dave Porter, T, Green Bay Packers
Mike Pyle, C, Chicago Bears – IA State Champ
Rocky Rasley, G, Detroit Lions
Mike Reid, Cincinnati Bengals Eric Rhett, RB, Cleveland Browns – FL State Champ Willie Roaf*, OT, New Orleans Saints
Warren Sapp*, DT Tampa Bay Buccaneers – FL State Champ
Mark Schlereth*, OL, Washington Redskins - Alaska State Champ
Cory Schlesinger, LB, Detroit Lions - NE State Champ Steve Sefter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles, 2x PA State Champ & NCAA All-American
Tony Siragusa*, DT, Baltimore Ravens – NJ State Champ
Fred Smerlas*, Buffalo Bills - MA State Champ
Bruce Smith**, DE, Washington Redskins
Brad St. Louis, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
Matt Suhey, RB, Chicago Bears
Bill Szott, OL, Washington Redskins – NJ State Champ Dave Szott, Kansas City Chiefs – NJ State Champ Woody Thompson, RB, Atlanta Falcons – PA State Champ
Jim Thorpe**, HB, New York Giants
Mike Trgovac, DC, Carolina Panthers – OH State Champ
Kyle Turley*, T, St. Louis Rams
Ryan Turnbull, RB, Cleveland Browns
Tommy Vardell, RB, San Francisco 49’ers
Adam Vinatieri*, K, New England Patriots
John Ward, OL, New York Jets – NCAA All-American Fred Weary, DB, St. Louis Rams
Charles White*, HB, Los Angeles Rams
Randy White*, DT, Dallas Cowboys
Cory Widmer, LB, New York Giants
Leo Wisniewski, NT, Baltimore/Indianaplis Colts - PA State Champ
Steve Wisniewski, G, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders - CA State Champ
Ricky Williams*, RB, Miami Dolphins
Coy Wire, LB, Buffalo Bills – PA State Runner-Up
Greg Wojochowski, St. Louis Rams *Pro-Bowler **Hall of Famer

10 Rules for Parents - Wrestling Success

2009-09-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

Success is determined when the wrestler gets out of the program what he needs. There are many reasons to wrestle, some wrestle to have a social experience, some wrestle to get in shape for another sport and some wrestler to win a state title. The following are some rules for a successful wrestling experience:

1. In most situations our sons know we love them. What we really need to make clear through our words and actions is that they understand we will love, respect and will not be disappointed in them regardless of the outcome of any match. We may be disappointed in the results, but never the person. This will allow him to do his best without fear of failure. Be the person in his life he can look to for constant positive reinforcement.

2. Strive to be honest about your child's athletic capability, his competitive attitude and his actual skill level. This goes both ways, he may be better than what we think.

3. Be interested and supportive but don't coach your son. It's tough not to, but it's a lot tougher for the child to be inundated with advice, pep talks, and frequent critical instruction. Encourage your son to talk to the coaches, they want to help.

4. Teach him to enjoy the thrill of competition. It’s not all about winning it’s about getting better each day. Let him know that improving skills and attitudes are important. Help him to develop the feel for competing, working hard and having fun.

5. Leave your ego at home. Try not to re-live your athletic life through your child. This creates added pressure that your son does not need. Remember, we have all fumbled, lost games, been frightened.

6. Don't compare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your child with others members of the team within his presence.

7. Remember young men tend to exaggerate when being praised and criticized. Temper your reaction until you investigate.

8. Don't compete with the coach. Keep in mind that they are balancing the development of your child with the growth and development of an entire athletic program and team. Often coaches have many considerations that are not obvious to parents. Feel free to talk to the coaches.

9. Get to know the coach. Understand his philosophy, attitudes, ethics and knowledge in such a way that you are happy to have your child under his leadership.

10. Make a point of understanding courage, and the fact that it is relative. Some people can climb mountains but are afraid to fight. Others will fight but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened of certain things. Explain to your son, that courage is not the absence of fear, but means, finishing or doing something in spite of fear or discomfort.

Parents Survival Guide

2009-09-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Your son has made an important commitment regarding his decision to join the Westlake Thunder Wrestling Team. The coaching staff is very pleased to have your son as a member of the program, and we have organized our efforts to promote his individual success. Wrestling is a very demanding sport. It will require much effort and dedication from your son. We admire and respect him already for making this type of commitment. We hope you will take some time to talk with your son about the seriousness of this commitment.

Our Season

The season officially begins in November and continues until the end of the Utah 4A State Tournament in mid February. We will practice each school day during our season. Practices on a normal school days will run from 2:45 p.m. to 5:00. Our competitions begin towards the end of November. We are currently working on a schedule. Wrestlers will need to take care of doctor, dentist or any other appointments or school make up, out side of practice time, if they wish to compete at the varsity level. Although sick athletes should stay home, injured wrestlers are expected to come to practice.

Booster Club

Westlake Wrestling will have its own Booster Club. The Booster Club is very important to the success of the wrestling program. A strong Booster Club will make each wrestlers experience one that he will remember for the rest of his life. There are many areas that a working Booster Club can be involved in; such as wrestler recognition, fun raising, dual meet and tournament involvement. One small example is to have someone sing the National Anthem at each home dual. This is a little thing but can add to the over all experience of the fans and wrestlers. Money is always an issue. With a good fund raising program we can have more than one traveling team, more than one assistant coach, travel to large out of state tournaments, at home duels we could have a wrestler who pins his opponent throw a wrestling shirt to the crowd which would encourage students to come to the matches (and encourage pins).

Forms and Fees
Westlake High School web site will have more information.

Coaches

Coach Guy Burdett has worked with State Championship Teams, State Champions and National Champions. He has been coaching for over 15 years. He has trained at the Olympic Training Center (Silver level Training Camp). He has been a High School Head Coach, a Club coach for High School and College teams and is currently the Head Coach for Westlake High School.

Coach Cody Burdett: 3x Region Champ, 2x 3rd in State, 1x State Champ, 4x Freestyle State Champ, 4x Greg-Roman State Champ, High School All-American Honorable Mention, 2002 Las Vegas Junior Western Regional Freestyle Champion, 2002 National Freestyle All-American, 2002 Reno WOW Champion, 2002 4th at the Beast of the East 2006-2007, Utah Valley University College Wrestler

Questions

1. What measures are taken to protect the health of the wrestlers?

Daily, we stress the use of proper and legal wrestling techniques and maneuvers. Coaches monitor closely their actions during all competitive and/or scrimmage wrestling situations so that any risk of an injury is lessened. Furthermore, the boys are expected to wear their headgear during the wrestling and drill sessions to prevent cauliflower ear and other abrasions on the ear or head. They are also encouraged to wear t-shirts during any drilling and/or wrestling activity instead of a heavy sweatshirt or jersey which could cause dehydration or fatigue to occur too quickly. For each practice a wrestler should wear clean shirt and shorts. Finally, we provide access to a trainer, ice, and medical kit as needed. If a serious injury does occur, the coaches contact the parent(s) as soon as possible.

2. Will a wrestler win more matches at a lower weight class?

Most wrestlers believe that by DROPPING WEIGHT, they can compete in a lower weight class where they will be stronger and win more matches. This belief is NOT TRUE; dropping weight, “by any means” can be harmful but dropping EXCESS FAT will make them bigger, faster and stronger. We want each wrestler to be as big and strong as they can be without the excess fat. Each wrestler reviews with the coaching staff his percentages of body fat, the number of pounds he wishes to lose, and the level of competition he would face at various weight classes. The coaches are very careful in monitoring each wrestler's weight loss but we need the support of the parents as well.

3. Will my son need to lose weight?

Your son may not have to lose any weight to wrestle at his weight class. His weight class selection, in fact, should be determined only after he discusses it with coach his parents and the coaching staff. The coaches reject weight loss methods that involve starvation, dehydration, laxatives, induced vomiting, or any other artificial means. These methods are considered illegal within the sport. What we hope to accomplish here is a favorable balance between ENERGY IN and ENERGY OUT. When losing weight, you can decrease your calorie count intake (ENERGY IN) or increase your physical activity (ENERGY OUT). The most effective approach is a combination of these methods. Your son should have a well-balanced diet and avoid any "fad" diets which deny him proper nutrition. Moderation is the key in regards to his eating habits, eliminate candy, pastries, junk foods, and snack between meals. Food portions can be lessened, and you may choose to provide food items high in carbohydrates (pastas, fruits, potatoes, breads) rather than foods high in fat content. If you believe your son's weight loss methods are wrong or excessive, please contact any coach immediately. If his grades in school suffer or his mood is irritable too often, again contact a coach.

4. How are varsity and junior varsity wrestlers chosen?

Unlike most other sports, positions on the wrestling team are not decided by the coaching staff, they are determined by the wrestlers. The goal is to have three competition teams. For the remaining wrestlers we will strive to find matches whenever we can. The teams are determined by challenge matches. Five challenge matches will be scheduled during the season. However, the coaching staff retains the right to name the varsity wrestler at each weight class as circumstances dictate-injury, discipline, and experience for each dual meet.

5. What does it take to have a great Wrestling Program?

I have discovered that great wrestling programs have a few things in common. The following three points are a good place to start:

1) Develop a strong wrestling culture in the school. There needs to be a strong relationship between football and wrestling. Wrestling must be "cool". We need to get the athletes to wrestle.
2) Develop a consistent wrestling program. Each program (Kids, Junior High, HS, and Club) should have program goals that progress the wrestler to the next level. I have seen examples of kids programs, for example, doing things that may help develop good "kid" wrestlers but may not help in developing great HS wrestlers. I don't care so much about “kids” national champions what I want are HS national champions and college wrestlers.
3) Develop a wrestling system. I understand there are many ways to complete any one move and all are right (to a point) if they score. By having a system in place practices are more efficient and wrestlers tend to learn more over time.

6. What can I do to help my son be successful?

To each wrestler success can means something different. Some may want to part of the team, some what to be national champions. As a parent who has coached his own son I found it a constant battle to remove my ego from my son’s successes and failures. I have seen many parents drive there kids away because they could not remove their own ego from the situation. Most wrestlers fail because they are afraid to lose. Parents need to create an emotional safety net so when the loss comes he knows he is still loved and respected regardless of the outcome of the match. Wrestling is not always a fun sport but it is very rewarding.
Thank You

The coaches certainly appreciate your support in encouraging your son to wrestle. He's taking on a big challenge, and we know that he could experience some difficulties during the season. But if we work together, your sons wrestling season can be very rewarding for him. We also look forward to seeing you at our matches. If you are interested in helping with our program or wish to order a team shirt talk to Coach Burdett 435-512-5988

Sincerely,
Coach Burdett

Wrestling and MMA

2009-09-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

Wrestling still a pretty important martial art. Right, Thiago?
By Maggie Hendricks

Brock Lesnar. Jon Fitch. Dan Henderson. Mark Coleman. Jon Jones. Tom Lawlor. What do these gentlemen have in common, besides the fact that they were winners at UFC 100?

They all started out as wrestlers.

Say what you'd like about wrestling being boring, or the lay'n'pray style, but UFC 100 showed that wrestling is an essential part of MMA. Without it, you cannot win. Former UFC welterweight champion and collegiate wrestler Matt Hughes often says that wrestlers have an advantage because they can decide where the fight will take place, an adage that played out on Saturday.

Frank Mir had no answer for Lesnar's collegiate wrestling style, taking Mir down, then moving to the side to drive the jiu-jitsu specialist to his back. Paulo Thiago's BJJ was useless against Fitch, who didn't give Thiago room to breathe, much less move. For all of Michael Bisping's talk of outwrestling Henderson, the Brit couldn't even smell a takedown in their fight.

But the most effective wrestler at UFC 100 is the one who has never competed in the sport. Georges St. Pierre put on a takedown clinic against Thiago Alves. Double-leg takedowns, single-leg takedowns, shot and reshoot combinations, maintaining control and positioning while on top -- it was all classic wrestling. GSP never wrestled in high school or college, but he has learned how important and effective wrestling can be when used properly.

Now, no one can win big in MMA on wrestling alone. Henderson and Lesnar won with their fists. GSP mixed beautiful kicks, punches and elbows in with the takedowns. Getting a takedown means nothing without effective submission defense. But the next time you dismiss an up-and-coming fighter as another wrestler, remember how important it was to the winners of UFC 100.

test

2009-09-18T17:36:00.001-07:00

MOVE to MOVE to SCORE

2009-08-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

We need to have a number one move but when it gets stopped we are then ready to follow it with our other number one move. MOVE to MOVE to MOVE to SCORE

Wanted: Volunteers

2009-08-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

For the upcoming Wrestling Season we are looking for anyone interested in helping out with both Jr. Thunder Wrestling and Westlake HS Wrestling. We need volunteer coaches and help generally with running the program. Please contact Coach Burdett if you are interested.