Registration opens for PB youth wrestling program

The legacy of Poplar Bluff wrestling looks for growth through the youth as a local program prepares to groom future wrestling athletes.

Registration for the Poplar Bluff boys and girls wrestling program is underway and is scheduled to kick off next Monday.

Poplar Bluff High School head wrestling coach and program director Kelton Thompson said this would be the first year teaming with Poplar Bluff’s Parks and Recreation and he’s eager to get started with some new kids and those who are returning.

“We’re really excited for the wrestling season,” Thompson said. “Our goal is to really blow it up this year. We’ve partnered with the parks department, and they’ve been helping us with advertisements and registrations, so we’re really excited. We hope to get a big group of kids in this year to help them learn the sport, have some fun and hopefully, help them fall in love with it.”

The program is for ages five through 12 and grades K-sixth. For the K-second pee wee program, there will be weekly practices to learn the very basics of wrestling. There will be no competitions outside of the practice room for this age group. The focus for this group is to learn wrestling skills, improve motor skills and have fun.

The third-sixth grade youth program will have two practices weekly to learn the core skills of wrestling. This age group will have competitions in the form of tournaments where individuals are paired with other wrestlers of similar age/size.

Thompson said the goal is to learn the fundamentals of wrestling and the core of the PB wrestling philosophy. Initial wrestling practice will be held at the Poplar Bluff Senior High School wrestling room.

“We have the program broken down into the variables and basic things that are needed to wrestle a complete wrestling match,” he said. “We’re going to teach the kids what it means to be a wrestler, and we’re hoping all the stuff that we’re teaching them gives them a good idea of what to expect when they come to wrestle for us at the high school or junior high level because it’s the core things we teach our high school guys today.”

The youth program was previously held after the high school season, but this will be the first year it’s moved up. Thompson said the change would give kids the option to join their wrestling club at the conclusion of the season, which allows them to wrestle for the USA Wrestling Circuit.

After a few weeks of training, Thompson is planning to have their own wrestling tournament for the participants at the high school to conclude the season. He said they are also working on a schedule where they can go to Dexter and Sikeston to compete against other children in their local youth programs.

The cost for the program is $30 and $15 for each additional sibling (non-refundable). Registration is set to close on Friday, Oct. 6, and for any questions contact Kelton Thompson, at (573) 429-2710 or keltonthompson@pb.k12.mo.us.