2012 Wrestling Youth Clinic

2012 Wrestling Youth Clinic, a set on Flickr.

On Tuesday night, the Sports Commission welcomed 250 eager young wrestlers to Scottrade Center in downtown St. Louis for this year's Wrestling Youth Clinic. To kickoff a week that culminates with the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, some of the best former collegiate wrestlers and coaches donated their time and talent to teach the next generation of grapplers. Wrestling luminaries like Tyron Woodley and Scott Schatzman among others provided fun and intense instruction for the young people in attendance.

There was also a Parents Session where adults could learn from experts who covered everything from training and nutrition to injury prevention. Mizzou head wrestling coach Brian Smith, Jason Barbour of Metabolic Meals and Sarah Spencer of Washington University Orthopedics gave parents valuable advice on how to maintain success for their kids on and off the mat. But don't take my word for it. Along with the pictures you'll see in this post, check out what some of the parents had to say in post-clinic emails:

"The clinic tonight was great! My son and his friends had a great time and really enjoyed it. We are looking forward to the next clinic."

-Darren S.

"My son attended the Wrestling clinic last night and was very impressed with it. He came from doing gymnastics since he was 6 years old competing all around the country. Wrestling is new for him and he wanted to try a new sport that was high school friendly. He said he learned how to do the skills better from this clinic."

-Kendra G.

"This is my boys (12 and 13) first year wrestling. They were both skeptical at first but now really love the sport. The clinic gave them an even bigger view of what's out there and what they can accomplish in wrestling. The sky's the limit. I want to keep that flame inside burning and appreciate opportunities you provide by putting on clinics like the one we attended."

-Lysa B.

I'm certainly appreciative of the kind words expressed by these parents, but the real credit goes to our coaches and the entire Local Organizing Committee who saw the value in not only giving back to kids, but giving back at the highest level possible. Thank you all for your commitment to young people. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol