What is MYWAy?

• The Michigan Youth Wrestling Association (MYWA) is a statewide youth wrestling organization with a strong presence in Metro Detroit and central and western Michigan. MYWAy hosts local/regional tournaments to give wrestlers an opportunity to compete competitively outside the school season/sanctioned arena. Participants are mainly local clubs. In the case of youth wrestling, it is the only opportunity for kids to wrestle competitively, as schools in this age group do not offer wrestling. It is fast becoming a nationally recognized league and has already formed ties with other states’ youth league through NUWAY (National United Wrestling Associations for Youth).

Who can wrestle in the Meridian Wrestling Program?

• Anyone can from 5yrs old to 14 yrs old.

What should I expect at a youth wrestling practice?

• We start with some warm-up and conditioning, work on technique and learn moves for different positions, review and then some live wrestling to practice old and new moves.  Finish with some strength training and cardio.  We start with some warm-up and conditioning, work on technique and learn moves for different positions, review moves.  We will play a wrestling game to end.  K-3rd graders are excused and 4-6 will stay a little longer for more technique and live wrestling (~20 min.)

When does Meridian Wrestling practice?

• For the 2018/19 Season, we will be at the HS wrestling room.  We will practice at 5:45pm-6:45pm (For K-3rd) or 7pm for (4-6th) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Where is the Okemos High School Wrestling Room?

• Located next to the auxiliary (rubber) gym.  Park in the main parking lot and enter through main doors.  The wood gym is directly behind main doors.  Rubber gym is to the right (north) through another set of doors.  The Wrestling room is on the north side of the rubber gym.

When does the Middle School practice?

• We practice right after school until 5pm.  In the cafeteria.

Are wrestling shoes required?

• Yes!  They are a must!

Do I need to buy any other equipment?

• Headgear is recommended.  We have some old headgear to loan out.

Is a uniform provided?

• Yes, we have old singlets from previous years.  If you want your own new 2 piece uniform we have them for sale at cost ($65).

What should I wear to practice?

• T-shirts and athletic shorts and wrestling shoes -  clothing should be clean every day to aid in keeping skin conditions at a minimum.

Do I need to take a shower at school?

• No, but it is expected and recommended that one be taken right after practice.

Why is it so important to shower immediately after practice?

• Like any sport, moisture and heat are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus sitting on the skin.  They need to be removed so the risk of skin infections are minimized.

How is the Youth Wrestling Club different than the Middle School Team?

• The MS team practices more often for 6-8th-grade wrestlers.  It is a transition year to learn how HS wrestling works, as they wrestle team meets on Tuesdays or Thursdays and some weekend tournaments.  The youth practices 2 days a week and has tournaments on Sundays, it is a true individual sport.

Are there many injuries in wrestling?

• There is risk in any sport or activity.  They are minimal with wrestling as there is no high impact moves as contact is constant.  Safety with moves is taught and emphasized.  Most dangerous moves are illegal and not taught.

Does my child need experience?

• No experience is necessary.  Ability to listen, try, fail and try again is the only experience necessary.

How do I register?

• There is a link to pay and register online for MS.  Youth register @ http://meridianwrestling.org  There is also paper registration forms to fill out if you want to pay with cash or check.  Please give these forms and payment to your coach.

When and how do we register?

• Anytime during the season.  The sooner the faster you can get on the mat.

My child is a beginner; will he/she compete in tournaments?

• At the Middle School yes.  It is important at this level to get that experience so we can develop certain skills and preparation strategies.  It also counts towards the progress of the team as team scores are kept at many of the weekend tournaments.  It is up to you and your child.  4th grade and up... Yes, it is recommended they try and learn the life lesson of perseverance, growth mindset, self-discipline etc.  3rd grade and younger... It is suggested you look at what your wrestler can handle.  There will be losses and tears, how well do they bounce back?  Are they ready for competition?  Are they developing a growth mindset?  Are they competitive?

When and where do we compete?

• It varies, but mostly on the weekends (Saturdays for MS and Sundays for MYWAy Youth) and at other area schools gymnasiums.  The MS will compete in team meets on the weekdays (Tuesday or Thursday during the season).

Are parents allowed to attend/observe practice?

• Sure, if you are willing to put on a pair of wrestling shoes (or wear socks) and help the wrestlers on the mat.  Yes, please feel free but not expected (no experience necessary).  Parent helpers on the mat are welcomed and encouraged too!  Great time to bond and connect.

If a snow day is declared and there is no school, will there be practice?

• No school = no practice

Does Okemos Wrestling, Inc have a relationship with the Okemos High School wrestling program?

• There is a close relationship of support and OWI helps assist in building a strong feeder program for the HS and the HS wrestlers assist in supporting and working with the youth when they can.