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We are delighted to have sparked an interest in wrestling in you. We'd like to give you some insight into wrestling, as well as an overview of how our program operates. We encourage you to share this with your children.
HISTORY
In 2008, the HFG Colts Program was developed by Ken Thier Sr., Ken Thier Jr., and Chris Burns. Our program branched off from Bel Air’s program due to the growing interest in the sport and the availability of a new facility. Every high school in this area has a recreational program to develop young wrestlers (not necessarily to attend that high school later, to have an identity). When we came up with the name Colts, it was originally intended to show that we are the recreational program for the C. Milton Wright Mustangs (I assure you, it has nothing to do with the Indianapolis Colts Football Team).
WHY WRESTLING?
For those of you who are new to the sport of wrestling, we would like to give you an insight into
what the sport can do for you. The coaches in our program are all multi-sport athletes and have
experience both playing and coaching a variety of sports. The biggest thing that we all agree on is the fact that wrestling is unlike any other sport in three ways:
1. It makes you better at every other sport.
2. It makes you better in life.
3. The feeling you get when you win and you're in the middle of the mat with the referee holding your hand up high is indescribable and should be experienced by all athletes.
We believe that the basics of wrestling help a young athlete to build their intensity, quickness,
change of direction, reactivity, strength, flexibility, and balance faster than any other sport. Any athlete needs all these things to excel in their chosen sport. In wrestling, you focus on each of these qualities simultaneously in every minute of every practice. Wrestling also teaches you many valuable lessons that can be applied to your everyday life. The determination that you learn in wrestling will make any insurmountable task seem like a walk in the park. The focus that you need to participate in will make you better at solving everyday tasks. The individualized aspect of wrestling teaches you the importance of responsibility and self-discipline.
This year, the Colts were awarded the Jackson/Featherstone Sportsmanship Award at the MJWL Navy/Lehigh Tournament.
A testament to the character, pride, and integrity we instill in our wrestlers.
PHILOSOPHY
The most important thing for us is that everyone comes back next year. Wrestling is a very
challenging sport; however, many people find a love for it that makes them say, “I can’t wait for wrestling season to start again.” Our goal for every person in our room (child, parent, and coach) is to have that feeling. We have had younger kids who don’t feel ready to participate in tournaments come to practice each night and enjoy the sport. We emphasize that it is crucial to pay attention in practice. In our practice room, there is One Voice. Wrestling moves are very detailed and require you to pay attention to every aspect of the move. This is important for both your safety and your ability to win. In our room, everyone pays attention and everyone moves quickly. Some kids get wrestling faster than others, just like every other sport. I’m sure everyone has heard the philosophy “No Child Left Back.” We agree with this and strive to make sure that every child understands the techniques we teach and doesn’t advance too quickly. It is essential to understand the basics before moving on to more advanced moves. We also like to incorporate the philosophy “No Child Held Back.” Often, it is challenging to push children who are ready for more advanced moves when they have solid basics, because not everyone in the room is prepared. There are always a couple of kids in the room who pick up things faster. We do our best to pair these kids together and teach them new moves as they are ready. Sometimes we will split the groups so that everyone in the room has time to improve at their own pace.
WHAT IS WRESTLING
First of all, this is not the WWF or WWE. Also, this is not the UFC. This is collegiate (also called
folk style) wrestling. Points are earned based on achieving superior positioning or escaping an
opponent’s hold. Matches can be won by points or by a pin. It is essential to note that in wrestling, there is no one too small or too big to participate in the sport. You only wrestle people who are within your weight class, which is usually a range of 5 pounds.
In an individual tournament, the wrestlers’ wins in matches advance them and benefit only them. In this sense, you are a one-man team; you receive your medal or trophy based solely on your performance. It is essential to keep in mind that you will be representing the team you are a part of based on the uniform you are wearing during your bouts. There is another aspect to wrestling that makes it a team sport. We will be competing in dual matches and team tournaments, where your team is awarded points based on the degree of dominance you demonstrated in the match. For example, a pin would give you more team points than if you were to win by 5 points.
Only one wrestler can represent their team in each weight category. The team with the most team points wins the match.
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