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It takes a lot of exercising to get ready for the wresting season. (Daniel Najera photo)
By Nina Crowder
Community Schools Athletic League is at it again with the wrestling program in full swing, bringing together San Manuel, Mammoth, Oracle, Hayden/Winkleman and Kearny schools. The successful wrestling program has been in place for three years now.
The Mammoth Matmen will be hosting a wrestling meet this Thursday, Mar. 21 at the Mammoth Elementary Gym at 6:30 p.m. Daniel Najera of the San Manuel Comets will be hosting a wrestling tournament on Apr. 6 at San Manuel High School Gym. Anyone with the opportunity to watch any of the upcoming meets and tournaments is encouraged to attend.
As in all the Community Schools Athletic Sports, the wrestling coaches are all volunteers of our rural communities. The program works with students from kindergarten to sixth grade. These children have spark, enthusiasm and a desire to learn sports and participate.
Wrestling is an individual sport, but teams help contribute with camaraderie and moral support, which can help lead to enhanced performance levels. The volunteer wrestling coaches teach sportsmanship that includes conduct on and off the mat with respect for opponents and judges. The wrestling coaches teach teammates to work with each other, follow safety rules and about healthy competition.
There are various types of wrestling such as the catch-hold and loose styles. Catch and hold consist of the contestants taking a hold before the contest begins and a submission requires the opponent to vocally or visually signal defeat by his own choice.
The art of wrestling consists of two competitors that are involved in an opponent touching the ground with some part of the body other than his feet, forcing the opponent to a certain position, usually on his back or holding him in that position for a minimum length of time.
Our volunteer coaches are the backbone of our youth sports, providing our kids with instruction and dedication for a rewarding experience in Community Schools Athletic Programs. The participation in sports and activities develops important character traits and life-long values in our youth.
There is detailed information regularly posted on the Community School’s Facebook page. For more information about the wrestling program, Pablo Rodriguez may be reached at 520-730-4196, Daniel Najara at 520-603-9929 or Gilbert Rodrguez at 520-468-1550.
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