( BLUE ) The Coach's Thoughts
( GREEN ) Program Announcements
( RED ) Urgent matters, Cancellations, etc.
( Wrestling Shoes ) As of now we have wrestling shoes available for those in need. Please email us if you are interested. (first come first serve) If your child has shoes from last season that no longer fit, please consider donating them to the program.
( Coach/Parent meeting Nov. 1 ) During our first scheduled practice at Buffalo Middle School, the coaching staff will speak with parents regarding the program's status and answer any questions you may have. Even if your child is unable to attend, we stress the importance of all parents being in attendance.
( Late sign-ups ) After speaking with several parents regarding the sign up notices, we've heard the majority received them late. In this case you are still able to sign up during the first scheduled practice. ( Monday Nov. 1st @ Buffalo Middle School 6:00 p.m. ) If this is your childs first year, bring a copy of his/her birth certificate. All fees must be paid in full at this time. Due to insurance policies, your child will not be able to participate until the following practice. If you have any questions please call ... Coach Lucas 304-360-1039
( Inner Nog'n ) If I were a preacher leading a congregation of wrestlers ... the time has come to practice what has been preached. I've been saying since the program began in 2008, our third season would produce developed wrestlers. Not only do I invision success on the mat from my third year wrestlers, I expect to see high intensity, determination, and leadership skills that will aid in maturing the inexperienced wrestlers. We lead by example in this sport, just as we do in our daily walk. I'm excited to have each of them back along with the second year wrestlers. To those who are new to the program, I'm grateful to have you. If anyone has questions or concerns regarding the program, please give me a call. See each of you on the mat !
Coach Lucas 304-360-1039
( Hydration ~H2O~ ) There is a misconception that drinking water only during practices is enough to keep your child hydrated. Please insure that your child is consuming around (3) 16 oz. bottles of water every day during wrestling season.
( Inner Nog'n ) First practice, just as expected ... controlled chaos. I'm predicting that in three weeks we will look like a fine oiled machine. My experienced wrestlers looked rusty while the newbies looked eager to learn. I'm taking a new approach this year to our style of wrestling. I want a more offensive, attack, seek and destroy from whistle to whistle mentality. This means two things ... instill in each child the desire and determination to win and the physical stamina gained only through hard work. This is our year, but only with each wrestler's desire to achieve success. As always ... encourage your child win or lose and keep them lifted in spirit.
( Election Day ) Even though it's election day and the schools have been closed for the day, we are still holding practice at 6:00 p.m. @ Buffalo Middle School.
( Wrestling Shoes ) It is very important that each child have wrestling shoes by this point. The program has shoes (limited sizes) available for those in need. We work on a first come first serve bassis. Please ask the coaching staff if you are interested.
( Inner Nog'n ) I just wanted to give an inside view of how practices are being conducted. The first and second year wrestlers are working on basic fundamentals. Of course this is the start for all beginners and a refresher course for the second year wrestlers. We are doing drills with the third year wrestlers in order to knock off the rust from the summer break. The first and second year wrestlers will start formation drilling next week to bring them to the level of drilling with the third year wrestlers. My theory in coaching is to teach the kids in layers. This means starting with the very basics and adding skill levels once they are ready. Keep in mind that all children have their own pace of learning and some will catch on faster than others. Does this mean they will never be a competetive wrestler? No ... it simply means some may need a little extra time to catch on the skills being taught. Just have patience with your child. I promise that if they stick with it by working hard and being dedicated both the wrestler and you will see improvement. I will not teach a child advanced skill levels until I feel they are ready. I predicted it would take three weeks to have the entire team drilling and working together and I'm sticking to it. Please feel free to confront the coaching staff with questions.
( Practice Nov. 11th ) Though the schools will be closed tomorrow due to Veterans Day, we are still conducting practice.
( GOBBLE GOBBLE ) Thanksgiving will soon be here and the smell of Turkey will be lingering in the air. We will still conduct pracitce on Monday Nov. 22 and Tuesday Nov 23. Practice is cancelled for Thursday due to the obvious. For those attending the Ripley Rumble Tournament on Saturday Nov. 27, please keep in mind your child must make the weight class he is signed up for. The tournament director is allowing .9 which is slightly under a pound. I know this is a traditional time of the year to eat and be with family, but tis a wrestler's life.
( Ripley Rumble Nov. 27 ) All entry forms and fees ( cash only ) must be turned in to the coaching staff no later than Thursday Nov. 18. Regular entry fee is listed at $16. If we mail 10 or more entry forms we receive team pay of $10 per wrestler.
( Inner Nog'n ) With two weeks in the books we are entering chapter three of our novel titled "Basic Wrestling". This week we will stay in the same format by training the 1st and 2nd year wrestlers apart from the third year wrestlers. When we reach the fourth week we will bring them together in hopes of drilling as a team. The tempo is about to change regarding discipline and the speed of practice. The coaching staff continues to require the full attention of each wrestler. Lack of cardio conditioning will not be a factor when we step on the mat. I refuse to allow my wrestlers to enter a match more skilled than their opponent, but lose due to a lack of stamina. As parents, I want each of you to understand that we do not raise our voices out of anger, but with the intention of pushing your child to give 100% effort. Wrestlers that don't develop a good work ethic are wrestlers who seldom succeed in this sport. Please remember to have your child drink at least three
16 oz. bottles of water a day. This will help to maintain the level of energy needed during more intense workouts. As always, we practice an open door Parent/Coach policy. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or express concerns.
( Inner Nog'n ) I'm extremely proud of the wrestlers that participated in this weekend's tournament at Parkersburg South High School. This was one of the toughest tournaments we will see during this season. Congrats to each of you for wrestling all out. Keep up the hard work in practice because it's paying off!
( Pleasants County Tournament ) If you are interested in attending the Pleasants County Pioneer Shootout, all entry forms must be turned in during Monday's Nov. 29 practice. If we have 10 or more entries, team pay is $10 per wrestler. This tournament will include novice and experienced wrestlers. The coaching staff encourages everyone to enter.
( Happy Thanksgiving ) The coaching staff would like to express how grateful we are to have such a wonderful group of parents and wrestlers. May each of you enjoy this wonderful time with loving family and friends. God bless all.
( Extra Mat Time ) For those going to this weekend's tournament in Ripley ... you have the chance to receive extra mat time tomorrow, Friday Nov. 26 in the S.V. wrestling room 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Whether it's sweating off a little weight or a quick tune up, the coaching staff highly recommends it.
( Jan. 15th Home *Quad* Tournament ) As of now we have two teams committed ( Hurricane and Poca ) and another pending ( Barboursville ). These are three solid programs that will bring both beginner and experienced wrestlers. Updates will be posted as we piece the puzzle together. The coaching staff will speak to all parents during upcoming practices regarding your part. Regardless of the tournament's size, it requires everyone participating to make such an event happen.
( ** PRACTICE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN CHANGED ** ) To better accomadate all sporting programs using the middle school facility, the gym schedule has been changed. Parents and children are not permitted in the gym during other programs practices. We must enter when our practice time begins. Listed below is our practice schedule until further notice.
Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:30 p.m.
Thursday: 6:00 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
Saturday December 4, 2010
( Dec. 11th & 12th Parkersburg South *Open* & *Novice* Tournaments ) Entry forms and fees ( cash only ) must be turned in during tomorrow's practice. The cost for the Open and Novice tournaments are $18 each. All entry forms must be mailed by Monday Dec. 6th. There is no team pay discount for either tournament. However ... if a wrestler enters both events, you will only pay $10 for the Novice entry. If you have any questions please call Coach Lucas (304) 360-1039 or Coach Hall (304) 545-6419
Saturday December 4, 2010
( PRACTICE / SUNDAY DEC. 5TH ) As of now we are still conducting Sunday's practice at 2:30 p.m. Please check back tomorrow at noon for an update. Coach Lucas
( 11:35 a.m. UPDATE ) We are having practice as scheduled.
( UPDATE: Home *Quad* Tournament ) Barboursville, Poca and Hurricane make up the teams that will participate in our January 15th quad. The coaching staff will speak to parents during next week's practices regarding duties and supplies.
( Extra Mat Time ) For those going to this weekend's tournament in Parkersburg ... you have the chance to receive extra mat time tomorrow, Friday Dec.10th in the S.V. wrestling room 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Whether it's sweating off a little weight or a quick tune up, the coaching staff highly recommends it.
( NO PRACTICE / SUNDAY DEC, 12TH ) Since we are attending the Bill Johnson Novice Tournament at Parkersburg High School Sunday December 12, there will be no practice on this day. We will hold our next practice on Tuesday December 14 from 6:30 - 8:30.
Tuesday December 14, 2010
( Middle School *Home* Tournament ) The middle school wrestling team is hosting a * Tri Tournament * Wednesday Dec.15th in the Spring Valley gym. Wrestling will begin at 6:30 p.m. All children who are in the youth wrestling program gets in free of charge.
Tuesday December 14, 2010
( PRACTICE ) As of now we are still conducting today's practice at 6:30 p.m. Please check back around 4:30 p.m. for an update. Coach Lucas
( 4:55 p.m. UPDATE ) We are having practice as scheduled / 6:30 p.m.
Our next practice will be in Spring Valley's wrestling room on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. All wrestlers must be present.
Tuesday December 14, 2010
( PRACTICE / THURSDAY DEC. 16 RESCHEDULED ) The gym will hold a Christmas musical performed by the middle school band. I will contact the middle school wrestling coach and see if we can share the mat with them at Spring Valley on Thursday or Friday. Please check back for an update. Coach Lucas
Friday December 17, 2010
( UPDATE / PRACTICE TONIGHT ) I realize some roads are still in poor condition ... so please use your better judgement. We will hold an (Open Mat) session this evening from 5:45 - 7:30 in the S.V. wrestling room. Everyone must park behind the school gym and enter from the back gym door. That is the only door that will be unlocked. Drive safely Coach Lucas
Friday December 17, 2010
( Merry Christmas ) Depending on the weather, we will go foward with our regular scheduled practices for this up coming week. We will not hold practice on Sunday Dec. 26th.
Friday December 24, 2010
( Jan. 8th Mineral Wells Tournament ) Entry forms and fees ( cash only ) must be turned in by Dec. 30th during Thursday's practice. Entry fee is $18 or $15 if we take 10 or more wrestlers. The coaching staff incourages everyone to attend. There will be novice and experienced wrestlers participating.
Monday January 3, 2011
( Jan. 8th Mineral Wells Tournament ) I'm excited to say we are taking 12 wrestlers to Mineral Wells. Good luck guys!
Thursday January 6, 2011
( Sunday Jan. 9th Practice ) Even though we are traveling to Mineral Wells on Saturday Jan 8th, we will still hold practice on Jan. 9th.
Thursday January 6, 2011
( Follow The Leader ) For those interested in following me to Mineral Wells for the morning session, we are meeting at 5:35 a.m. Saturday morning just off the 29th St. exit in the H.I.M.G. parking lot. We will hit the road no later than 5:45 a.m. If you're attending the afternoon session and need directions, give me a call. When you arrive at the school, please see me to receive a singlet. Coach Lucas 304-360-1039
Tuesday January 11, 2011
( PRACTICE ) With our home tournament coming up this Saturday, it is very important that we get mat time in. As of now we are still conducting today's practice at 6:30 p.m. As alway ... use your best judgement on road conditions and be careful. If we do cancel this evening we might practice with the middle school team in S.V.'s wrestling room on Wendesday and Thursday. Please check back around 4:30 p.m. for an update. Coach Lucas
( 3:55 p.m. UPDATE ) We are having practice as scheduled / 6:30 p.m.
Our next practice will be on Thursday in the Spring Valley wrestling room at 6:30 p.m.. All wrestlers must be present.
Saturday January 15, 2011
( Mat Money ) I want to thank each and everyone of you for your part in making our quad successful. Everyone seemed pleased with the way things went. All the coaches expressed their appreciation and were eager to do it again. I'm excited to say we generated $1,600 for our goal in purchasing a new mat. All credit is spread across the board ... nice job !!!
Saturday January 15, 2011
( A Day Of Rest ) I'm not for sure how everyone else feels ... but this old man is tired. Let's relax tomorrow and get back on the mat Tuesday, Jan. 18th @ 6:30. PRACTICE IS CANCELLED TOMORROW ... JAN. 16th.
