Youth Wrestling
Weapons of Mat Instruction
Welcome to the Watertown Youth Wrestling Program!
This year, we are excited to continue expanding opportunities and offering personalized instruction paths for our wrestlers.
Parents: Not sure which group is the best fit for your child? Don’t worry! We’ll work closely with you to assess and adjust placements based on your child’s age, skill level, attention span, and interests. Even if they start in a group that’s not an ideal fit, we’ll ensure a smooth transition to maximize their learning and success.
Our program is designed for wrestlers from kindergarten through 12th grade, with four distinct levels tailored to meet varying needs. For those looking to go above and beyond, we also partner with our club to provide additional opportunities for advanced growth and competition. Explore the details below to find the perfect fit for your wrestler!
Level 1: Park and Recreation Program
Grades: K-3
Session Length: 5 weeks
When: Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM, November 14, 2023 - Christmas Break
Where: Watertown Wrestling Facility
This introductory level is perfect for beginner wrestlers and those not yet ready for focused, disciplined practice. It offers a fun, engaging introduction to wrestling fundamentals. Focus Areas:
Basic techniques
Drills for core strength, gross motor skills, and balance
Tumbling exercises to build coordination and balance
Safe, combative games to develop positioning and movement skills
Practice Structure:
Weekly fundamentals with no more than two moves introduced each session
Includes tumbling and a fun combative game
Final practice features a "Tiny Tumblers Tourney" (3-4 matches, parents encouraged to attend)
This session is ideal for athletes with little or no prior experience, those not interested in weekend competitions, or those exploring wrestling for the first time. Wrestlers with more experience or competitive aspirations should consider the USA Wrestling Club Sessions.
Sign-Up Information:
Register through the Park and Recreation Department (S. 1st Street).
Fee includes all participation costs.
Register by the deadline to receive a Watertown Wrestling T-shirt! Late registrations are welcome, but no T-shirt will be ordered.
Level 2: Wrestling Club Session (USA Wrestling)
Grades: 4-8 and serious K-3 wrestlers
When: Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 PM, November 19, 2024 - Mid-March
Cost: $150
Led by Cal Stratman, Oliver Geraths, Owin Walsh, Neil Stuettgen, and Coy Muniz, this level is tailored for wrestlers ready to take their training to the next level and prepare for competition. Focus Areas:
Drilling sound fundamentals
Building core strength, balance, and competitive skills
Preparing for area weekend tournaments starting in December
Program Highlights:
Led by Watertown Youth Wrestling coaches
Designed to build the skills needed to compete successfully at weekend tournaments
Aimed at helping athletes qualify for and place at the State Wrestling Tournament in Madison
For questions, contact Coach Bardenwerper, our Club President for information.
Expectations:
Athletes must be prepared to work hard, have fun, and commit to regular attendance and participation in weekend tournaments. Tournament schedules will be shared during practices, and parents are encouraged to support their athletes by attending events. Car-pooling options will be organized as needed.
This program is perfect for wrestlers with competitive goals and a desire to excel at the next level.
Level 3: Riverside Panthers MS
Grades: Middle School (6-8)
Season Length: January - February
Led by experienced coaches Josh Barnett, Noah Dominguez, Steven Frank, Brian Ryan, and Adam Larsen, this program prepares athletes to compete in a team setting while building the skills needed for success at the high school level.
Focus Areas:
Strong technique
Hard work and discipline
Fundamentals for competitive wrestling
Program Highlights:
Compete against conference rivals with a season culminating in the conference tournament in February
Opportunities for continued competition through the USA Club after the season
Encouragement to attend wrestling camps and clinics in the off-season
Sign-Up Information:
Registration is through the RMS Office. Scholarships for off-season camps and clinics are available through the club for athletes in this program.
This level is perfect for wrestlers seeking to grow in a team environment and lay the foundation for future success in high school wrestling.
Level 4: Watertown High School Program
Students attending Watertown High School, eCampus, and Endeavor Charter School are encouraged be a Watertown Gosling Wrestler.