Youth wrestling club officially opens 2024-25 season Nov. 17
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LAKE COUNTY >> The Gladiator Wrestling Club kicks off practice this week as it begins its third season.
“It’s great to see the kids back on the mat and ready to pick up where we left off last season,” head coach and club president Peter Stephan said. “We created a culture as a family these past two seasons and want to continue that as that is one of the crucial elements that brought a lot of success to us this past season.”
Another important element, according to Stephan, is the emphasis the club puts on being a student-athlete.
“It’s great to see the kids put their hard work and energy into practice and tournaments, but those things can’t happen if the student doesn’t come first,” Stephan said. “Having great attendance, having the grades, and demonstrating positive behavior are a few expectations we look for in all our athletes.
“It’s important that the kids know that if those expectations are not met, then the competitions cannot happen. Wrestling is a sport that teaches discipline and accountability. It’s important that wrestlers are positive role models whether they are in school, in public or at home as they represent the program,” Stephan added.
Of the 66 wrestlers currently working out as season three approaches, 36 are returners. Gladiator coaches this season are Stephan, Jonathan Philpot, Brandon Whittle, Hugo Salazar, Willie Long and Daniel Paminto.
Gladiator Wrestling hosts two tournaments this season – the Takedown before Christmas on Dec. 15 and the Gladiator Brawl on March 9. The team officially kicks off the 2024-25 season Nov. 17 at the Junior Maverick Tournament in Citrus Heights.
