New To Wrestling?
Did you hear about the sport from a friend or neighbor and want to find out more?
First, you're in the right spot. We offer programs for youth, junior high, and high school wrestlers.
If you have a child that is interested in wrestling regardless of their age and ability, have them check out one of our free intro resources located below. Our site has a tremendous amount of info so please read through the information. Can't find what you are looking for? Just email us and we'll be happy to chat with you.
Wrestling is an individual and team sport with a great environment for physical activity, skill building, and fun. Don't worry if your kid has never wrestled before, as most kids here haven't so your child is not at a disadvantage. A lot of kids have only picked up the sport in the last year or two, and every year we add more new kids to the program.
FAQ
Youth Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who can wrestle for Stillwater Area Wrestling (SAW) Youth Wrestling team?
A. The simple answer is anyone. Our program has welcomed wrestlers from Stillwater, the St Croix Valley, the greater east metro and even western Wisconsin.
Q. Why wrestle with SAW youth wrestling and not another program?
A. We are more than an up and coming program. We have world class coaching which has allowed our wrestlers to compete at very high levels. We have a track record of success which flows from our youth all the way to our high school team.
Q. When do practices and the season begin?
A. Practices generally begin in November and the season starts in November and continue through March. Check our calendar for more details.
Q. Who is the coach?
A. We have a blend of volunteer and paid for coaches. All coaches have been thoroughly screened and hold either Copper or Bronze Certification through USA Wrestling. The youth head coach is Kevin LeValley. He is assisted by current and former high school wrestlers and a number of former MN Gopher wrestlers who volunteer their time.
Q. How much will it cost?
A. Prices are updated on the membership registration as needed. You will also need to purchase a MN/USA card (www.usawmembership.com), which covers insurance and allows you to wrestle in any MNUSA tournaments (which all the state qualifying tournaments are). The Stillwater Wrestling club is a Charter Club so a MN/USA Card is required for all active members.
Q. When are sign ups?
A. Season Registration are September through the end of the season.
Q. What does my child need to participate?
A. Shorts without pockets or zippers and a t-shirt is all you need. A singlet is not required. Most wrestlers are more comfortable in wrestling shoes. If you look to complete in a tournament, most tournaments will require headgear.
Q. Where can you buy wrestling gear?
A. You can purchase gear at any sanctioned tournament or online at any number of websites. You can always reach out to our coaches who can give you specific guidance!
Q. What is the difference between Folkstyle and Freestyle/Greco Roman wrestling?
A. Without getting into the nuances of each style, understand that each wrestling style has their own rules which dictate how you can and cannot wrestle, the length of the match, the number of periods per match, and how points are scored. Folkstyle is the most common wrestling style in the United States. It's also the style high school and collegiate wrestlers compete in the United States. Freestyle and Greco Roman are each their own style and are more common in all other parts of the world. Olympic wrestlers compete in these two styles. There are a number of good websites you can find with a internet search if you want to know more specifics on each wrestling style. You can also read the PDF below called "Folkstyle Basics" or the "Youth Wrestling Guide".
Q. What if something happens, do you offer a refund in the middle of the season?
A. We handle these on a case by case bases. Our general rule of thumb is we will refund a prorated amount for extenuating circumstances such as medical or relocation scenarios.
Q. Who do I contact if I have any questions or would like to get involved with the program?
A. Kevin LeValley
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