Pony Boy Wrestling

The journey to becoming an elite wrestler is a blend of passion, discipline, and strategic training. With over two decades of experience in the wrestling community of Georgia, I have witnessed the rise of some of the state’s most accomplished wrestlers. This experience has sparked a thought experiment: if resources were unlimited, what path would I design for my child to reach their utmost potential in wrestling?

Here are six categories that I believe are crucial in crafting an elite wrestler:

1. **Technical Mastery**: The foundation of any great wrestler is their technical skill. Training with experienced coaches who emphasize technique and provide personalized feedback is essential.

2. **Physical Conditioning**: Wrestling demands incredible physical strength and endurance. A tailored conditioning program that focuses on both is key to preparing a wrestler for the rigors of competition.

3. **Mental Toughness**: The mental aspect of wrestling is just as important as the physical. Working with sports psychologists and engaging in mental toughness training can give an athlete the edge they need.

4. **Nutrition and Recovery**: Proper nutrition fuels the body for training and competitions, while recovery practices like adequate sleep and restorative therapies ensure longevity in the sport.

5. **Competition Experience**: Regular participation in local, national, and international competitions provides invaluable experience and exposure to different wrestling styles.

6. **Community and Support**: A strong support system of family, coaches, and fellow wrestlers is vital for motivation and growth.

These categories are the building blocks to the elite. The question is what is the best way to go about doing that via the Wrestling Clubs and Competitive teams that they would be training with?

Below is my opinion on the where, who, and why my wrestler would be training.

Club Programs

Youth Club: Morris Fitness

Head Coach: Charlie Morris

• What Charlie Morris has been able to create at his club is spectacular. It is more than just a training ground; it is a nurturing environment where wrestlers fall in love with the sport. The club’s philosophy is simple: blend the joy of sport with rigorous training. This approach has turned their members into formidable competitors on the mat, earning the club a reputation for producing ‘savages’ in the wrestling world.

Advance Club: Storm Wrestling Center

Head Coach: Gerald Carr

• Storm Wrestling Center, under the guidance of the renowned Coach Gerald Carr, sets the gold standard for wrestling clubs. With the legacy of champions like Chase Horne, Latrell Schafer, Julian Farber, Noah Pettigrew, and many more, Storm Wrestling is known for its comprehensive training that molds young individuals into well-rounded athletes and technicians. Their success in various wrestling styles and weight classes is a testament to their balanced and inclusive training regimen. Storm Center is your one stop shop for wrestling clubs.

Both clubs share a common goal: to develop not just elite wrestlers but also remarkable individuals who carry the spirit of the sport into all aspects of their lives. Whether it is the family-like atmosphere at Morris Fitness or the competitive edge honed at Storm Wrestling Center, Georgia’s wrestling scene shines brighter because of these institutions.

School Programs

Middle School: Tift County Middle School

Head Coach: Rayder Schemmel 

• In the heart of South Georgia, stands Tift County Middle School. This remarkable institution has consistently produced top tier wrestling teams, dominating the Dual State competitions with an impressive record of finishing in the top three at State Duals for the last decade. Their secret? A culture of hard work, dedication, and a wrestling style that is both aggressive and persistent. The wrestlers of Tift County Middle School are known for their fundamental techniques, executed with proficiency. The school has fostered an environment where each wrestler competes not just for personal glory, but for the teammate standing beside them. It is a culture that any parent would be proud to have their child be a part of, one that champions the values of teamwork and perseverance. These core values have allowed them to win 4 of the last 10 State Championships

High School: Jefferson High School

Head Coach: Kyle Baird

• What sets Jefferson apart is not just the sheer number of titles but the palpable passion for the sport that permeates the entire community. Wrestling is not just a sport there; it’s a way of life, a tradition that binds generations, and a source of immense local pride. The secret to their success? It might just be the unwavering commitment to excellence and a competitive spirit that’s encouraged from a young age. The coaching staff at Jefferson is renowned for their expertise, fostering an environment where young wrestlers are not only trained to be physically tough but also mentally resilient. The rigorous competition schedule is a testament to their dedication, as the team travels nationwide to face off against the best, providing invaluable experience and exposure for the athletes. Aspiring wrestlers looking for a program that offers a blend of rich tradition, top-tier coaching, and a community that supports and celebrates their journey, Jefferson High School stands out as a beacon of excellence in high school wrestling. It’s a place where champions are made, year after year. Jefferson High School is not just producing wrestlers; they’re shaping the future of the sport in Georgia.

Private Lessons

Arturo Holmes

• Arturo Holmes, revered as the Godfather of club wrestling, has made an indelible mark on the sport in Georgia. His dedication to training and mentoring athletes has resulted in a remarkable legacy, with a lineage of Division 1 wrestlers attributing their success to his guidance. The impact of his work is so profound that it warrants a comprehensive study to map out the extensive ‘wrestling family tree’ he has cultivated. For those aspiring to reach new heights in wrestling, training under Arturo’s expertise is an opportunity  missed.

Drop in Practices

Roundtree Wrestling Academy

• I think its pretty much universally accepted in its current state RWA has the toughest practice room in the state. While many of the wrestlers you might see at any given roll around at Roundtree may have been developed and trained somewhere else, it does not much matter because they just about all end up dropping into the RWA a practice at some point. RWA almost has it all; Nationally ranked wrestlers from little weights to middle weights and All-State wrestlers galore. The biggest hole that can be seen at RWA is that you typically do not see many of the heavier weights show up as you do down at the lighter weights. Maybe it’s the culture, maybe it’s by design but you don’t go to RWA for technical details….you go for the “Live Goes”. Successful RWA wrestlers have these things in common: High pace and a toughness that few can keep up with!

How would your program differ from ours?? How would craft an Elite Wrestler?!?