Wrestling Club back on the mat

The Weber State University Wrestling Club is preparing for a tri-dual meet in Pocatello, Idaho battling against Idaho State University and Utah State University on Dec. 6. The WSU Wrestling Club will also compete in a tournament in California in February to qualify for nationals. "If we've got someone good enough to qualify in regionals, we'll find a way to find the money to send that guy," said head coach Charlie Chandler. "If I have to go out door-to-door begging for money, I'll do it." Nationals will be held in Virginia in March of 2009. Because of Title IX, the WSU wrestling program was terminated in 1988-89. It now exists as a club sport. "Right now, this year we have no scholarship money," Chandler said. "That was taken from us, and so we are going to work hard to get it back next year." WSU has given Chandler's Wrestling Club $2,000 for traveling expenses. In addition, $1,200 was donated by Sergeant First Class Casey McEuin, a U.S. Army recruiter. The money will be used for new mats with the stipulation of having the Army logo on the mat. This year students can take a one-hour wrestling class for credit, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon to improve wrestling skills. "Wrestling doesn't have to end in high school," Chandler said. "We'll work you to death when you're ready, but you'll feel good when it's over." The WSU Wrestling Club also works well with students' schedules. Right now practices are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 a.m. and in the evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Swenson Gym. The club has two new student coaches: Ben Harding from North Ogden and Jordan Cubbedge from Alaska. Chandler tells prospective wrestlers that if they want to wrestle for him, they better do their cardio and running, and had better be lifting. He said the minute they hit the mat and stretch out, it's time to wrestle. "Can't say enough, love the sport," Chandler said. "I know there are guys out there who can wrestle. ... The best guys out on the mat are the guys who are hungry to get back out on the mat. Like I said, you'll be in the best shape of your life." The cost to join the WSU Wrestling Club as a student is $75 - $25 to sign up with the National College Wrestling Association and an additional $50 for club dues to help pay for expenses. "Wrestling is a fun way to be healthy," said Brett Day, president of the club, "and staying active. It's not like a scholarship sport. ... It's only a couple of hours a week." Day said it's all about having fun. With two new coaches, Day said the team will have a good shot at making a good program, and will have the opportunity to make a name for itself. Day said he would like to see the club fill all of the weight classes from 120 pounds through 160 pounds. In three to four weeks the WSU Wrestling Club will challenge WSU students to come out on a Saturday morning to wrestle. Students don't have to sign up or pay a fee. They can just come out and show their skills. "We have a commitment from Rulon Gardner to come do our wrestling workshop," Chandler said. Gardner will be coming in the end of June to do a week-long clinic of skills building. "What I'm trying to do is recruit," Chandler said. "I know that there are guys out there who want to wrestle. The neat thing is, there are no cuts, no embarrassments, you come and you wrestle, and you will get to wrestle in the tournaments." For more information contact Chandler at 801-626-6042.