What is MYWAY?

• The Michigan Youth Wrestling Association (MYWA) is a statewide youth wrestling organization with a strong presence 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. The Meridian Youth Wrestling Club is a member of the MYWAY Central Region. 

Who can wrestle in the Meridian Youth Wrestling Club?

• Any boy or girl from 5 years old to 8th grade.

What should I expect at a youth wrestling practice?

• Practices will always contain a warm-up, development of technique, live wrestling, and conditioning.  

When does Meridian Youth Wrestling practice?

• We start in the middle of November until mid-March, we will be at the Okemos High School wrestling room. Practice is Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday beginning at 5:45pm for all wrestlers and ending at 7:45pm. Younger wrestlers are given a dismissal option at 7pm, however may stay longer at parent discretion.

Where is the Okemos High School Wrestling Room?

• Located next to the auxiliary (rubber) gym.  Park in the east 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.

Are wrestling shoes required?

• Wrestling shoes are preferred, however, socks are acceptable for practice.
  

Do I need to buy any other equipment?

• Headgear is recommended. The club does have a few pairs. 

• Mouth guards are recommended for kids with braces. 

What should my child wear to practice?

• T-shirts, athletic shorts and wrestling shoes (socks are acceptable for practice) -clothing should be clean every day to aid in keeping skin conditions at a minimum.

Does my child need to take a shower after practice?

• Yes, it is very important to take a shower immediately after practice. Great effort is taken to insure that our mats are clean. However, 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 3 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.  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?

• Tournaments are completely optional. MYWAY offers novice only divisions for first and second year wrestlers. There will also be some optional scrimmage matches with other local clubs. 

When and where do we compete?

• It varies, but mostly on the weekends (Sundays for MYWAY Youth) and at other area schools gymnasiums.

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.