Coach creates youth wrestling league to make Delaware more competitive
Utter shock was all head coach Jesse Glanden could feel when the idea of starting a Delaware Youth Wrestling League took off.
"I sent off an email to a couple of the coaches and I said you know what I think it would make a lot of sense if our club teams got together and did some wrestling outside of tournaments and things that you have to pay for," said Glanden.
The Wrestling League offers kids kindergarten through sixth grade the opportunity to compete against other wrestling leagues across the state at little to no cost. Where having fun is the main priority.
"We're pairing them up with kids from other schools who are relatively around the same experience and letting them go out and just wrestle, just for the fun of the sport," said Glanden.
More than 60 kids come to the wrestling room and practice for about two hours twice a week where they say that the positive atmosphere makes learning the sport that much more enjoyable.
"We're not worried about whether they win or lose or even if they go wrestle in a tournament or duel meet the main thing is I want them to keep coming," said wrestling coach Stanley Pete.
It was also created to increase kids interest in the sport– and to make Delaware more competitive.
"I think this is just an opportunity for all of us again to get kids involved early on just like they're doing in these other states so when we get up to these higher level high school college matches our kids are competing at the same level," said Glanden.
The league kicked off it's season in early November facing teams all over Delaware. Whether you're a beginner or have been wrestling for a couple years, it's a place where everyone belongs.
"I've just been really proud of myself this year because how quick I'm catching on and all of that," said wrestler Elijah Niblett.
And the parents are loving it.
"I love coming to watch them wrestle I love practices. The coaches have been very supportive at the matches there's always coaches there for the kids," said Ed Hopkins.
As the season draws near to the end, there's high hopes for this wrestling league, and some kids are already thinking about the next season.
"Yeah I definitely think I'll be here next year," said Niblett.
The season is coming to an end, but if you or your child are interested, organizers say you are welcome to join the league next fall.
