Middle School Wrestlers and Parents,

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you. You are probably thinking for what? I haven't done anything yet? Well you have expressed interest in a sport that I love and will without a doubt teach you  the value of preparation and hard work, and the role it plays in achieving one's goals. I have been wrestling literally my entire life and there is nothing that has shaped me more as a person than my time spent on the wrestling mat. I hope you will join us this year and experience the excitement and passion of wrestling for yourself. I could go on and on about the positives of participating in wrestling, but I also want to answer a few common questions and misconceptions.

Isn't wrestling fake like that stuff on TV?
No! If you've been exposed to high school or college wrestling, you have already realized that so-called "professional wrestling" (i.e. WWE) as depicted on television, is entirely different from the actual sport of wrestling.

Would I be  required or expected to lose weight?
No! There is no weight cutting in the middle school wrestling program.

I am too big or too small to wrestle...
One of the great things about competing in wrestling is you compete against other wrestlers who are in the same weight class. You are never too big or too small. 

Wrestling is too dangerous...                       
Several studies have been conducted in recent years that show wrestling to be safer than many other sports including football and basketball. Most notable in these reports, is wrestling's low percentage of serious injuries in relation to other sports.

I would also like to briefly explain the philosophy of the middle school wrestling coaching staff. I know I speak for both myself and all the other coaches in saying that we will bring a positive attitude to both practice and wrestling meets. We love the sport of wrestling and want to help build up a successful program while being a great example for the young men on the team.

Our first practice will be January 4, 2016. Practices will be held in Belmont. If you are unable to attend a practice you need to call, text,  or email me ahead of time, no exceptions.

Transportation will be provided for all practices and meets. Wrestlers should ride the shuttle bus to the high school and meet in the high school commons, where I will meet them and make sure everyone gets on the bus to Belmont. After practice the bus will drop students off at Platteville High School.
 

Thank you and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Jacob Crase

(608) 732-5554 or jcrase@platteville.k12.wi.us