Four former Patrick County High School wrestlers have decided to further the interest in wrestling locally by forming an elementary club opportunity for Patrick County elementary students. Andrew Taylor, Joseph Edwards, Wren Williams and Jason Roop all meet with elementary students at the PCHS wrestling room (one of the former EMUs from Meadows of Dan located behind the school’s greenhouse, adjacent to the track) each Monday and Thursday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to help foster a love for wrestling.
The coaches and wrestlers have been learning basic techniques, moves and conditioning during the sessions. About 30 elementary students have attended the first two meetings.
According to Taylor, he has registration information for over 65 elementary students. “The wrestling room is just so big. I don’t know if we can get too many more than 35-40 without compromising our instruction,” he said.
Coach David Morrison, PCHS Cougar wrestling coach, is happy with the turnout of the elementary wrestlers. “This is a great way to develop our program. Andrew and Joseph started the program last year, and we have several middle school wrestlers this year who ‘grew up’ in their program,” he said.
Practices sessions are open to elementary students who complete a permission form. A “Club Wrestling Tournament” will be held at the end of the season with different “teams” wrestling each other in appropriate weight classes.
