Q: How are kids matched up?
A: Wrestlers are divided by both age groups and weight class. Age groups are 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 & 13-14. Weight classes are typically separated by 3-5lbs and increase in the heavier weight classes. A full list of divisions can be found
through this link. In addition, wrestlers will be separated in the practice room by experience level.
Q: What is your coaching philosophy?
A: Wrestling is a unique sport and a lot of fun. Our job is to teach the fundamentals and help kids develop a love for the sport. While we work hard and have had great success at the junior level, our focus is to have fun and work hard so that kids can become champions in high school and beyond (whether in wrestling or in life).
Q: Who are the coaches?
A: Our coaching staff is made up of volunteers and parents, of which several have had experience wrestling at the high school and collegiate level. Head coach Donovan Panone has been coaching youth wrestling for 16 years along with former head coach (and current President), Blaine Hess.
Q: When/where are the practices?
A: Practices are held Mon, Wed & Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm in the Pope High School wrestling room (head toward the football fields and it is the last entrance to the school on the left; the room is the first on on the right). 5-6 year old wrestlers will practice 6:30 - 8pm on Mon & Wed only.
Q: Are there many injuries in wrestling?
A: While there can be bumps & bruises just as in all sports, wrestling is actually safer than most other contact sports such as football. Wrestling is a very controlled sport focusing on technique with very few "collisions" that would cause injuries.
Q: Do I need to buy any equipment?
A: Wrestlers will need wrestling shoes and headgear. We are planning to have a vendor attend practices to secure a group rate or you can also purchase them at Dick's Sporting Goods or online at
www.takedownshop.com. Each can be purchased for around $30.
Q: How long is the wrestling season?
A: Our practices start Wed, Oct 26 and the season will end with the state tournament on March 3rd for 11-14 ages and March 10th for 5-10 ages.
Q: When are the competitions?
A: Wrestling tournaments are typically held on Saturdays. Ages 5-10 will compete in a morning session that will last from approx 8 - 12:30am and ages 11-14 will last from approx 11:30 - 5pm. There are also beginner tournaments for 1st and 2nd year wrestlers on Sundays. There will also be opportunities for middle school wrestlers to travel out of state this year. You can find a list of which tournaments we will attend as a team on our
Schedule page.
Q: How much does wrestling cost?
A: There are a few different levels, as follows:
Returning wrestler with a team singlet: $135 (2nd family member = $100)
New wrestler or returning wrestler needing a singlet: $175 (2nd family member = $140)
Out of district wrestler: $250 (2nd family member = $140)
6 years old or younger: $100 (2nd family member = $75) (does not include singlet)
The registration fee includes a singlet, t-shirt and shorts.
All wrestlers will also need to have a USA Wrestling card, which is $35. Tournaments will also typically have a $15 registration fee.
Q: Where do I register?
A: You can go to our
registration page to sign up. Registration is now open and will run through the first 3 weeks of the season (Nov 11th). It is highly encouraged to sign up before practice starts to ensure basic techniques are not missed. You will also need to purchase a USA Wrestling card prior to practicing. Cards are $35 and starting Sept 1st can be purchased on the
Team Georgia Website.
