Westminster wrestlers prepare for next year’s season as they create a wrestling club with Kirkwood High school during their off season. Known as the Mid-County Wrestling Club, the program involves wrestling technique taught by coaches from Lindenwood University, Maryville University, Westminster, and Kirkwood High School.

College coaches include Jimmy Rollins, a four time all American and two time national champ who ended his college career with an outstanding record of 114-9; and Andrew Bradbury, also a four time all American and two time national champ. With their tremendous wrestling careers, both coaches seem to be more than eligible for the task at hand.

“The clinicians that are involved in the program have excellent backgrounds and the ability to teach very high level technique to our wrestlers,” said Rob Gion, middle school wrestling coach and head of the Mid-County Wrestling Club.

Additionally, the club will bring in current wrestlers at the peak of their college careers to help teach technique.

Combining such coaches, college athletes, and wrestlers ranging from preschool to high school will create a unique atmosphere, serving as beneficial to current and future Westminster wrestlers. Furthermore, it will create a hands-on learning environment.

“Wrestling is a sport where life-long learning is essential.  It is important for middle school age wrestlers to see and learn from high school wrestlers.  It is important for high school wrestlers to see where they need to improve to be college caliber athletes.  In addition, it is good for the college wrestlers to give back and also teach younger wrestlers,” said Gion.

The program will last a few months into the wrestling off season, introducing many freestyle moves to prepare wrestlers for off season tournaments.

With the goal set upon improvement, the wrestling team is looking forward to a competitive season next year.