The Green River Grapplers are excited to be entering another season of USA Wrestling.
After a highly successful 2013-2014 season, the grapplers look forward to this upcoming season and continuing what has been a tradition dating back to at least 1971.
According to Roy Lloyd President of the Green River Grapplers, their success over the years has truly hinged on the history of the program and all those that have passed over the grapplers’ mats.
He said the high school wrestling room has a banner of the many champions that have wrestled at Green River High School. A paw is placed by any of the champions who were in the grapplers program.
He stated the grapplers’ tradition is evident by you looking at the banner and see ing the number of paws and realize how the program has helped many of those champions in their wrestling career.
“Over the years, many grapplers have started at a young age to grow through the program, and return later in life as parents, coaches, referees or strong supporters of the club,” he said.
Last season featured many highlights for the squad.
The club had three wrestlers receive governor’s awards. The award is given to one wrestler in each of the age groups for each of the wrestling styles per year.
Cyro Montoya, cadet in greco, Tainui Kellner, intermediate in folkstyle and Sefton Douglass, intermediate in freestyle were honored with the prestigious honor last year.
The grapplers also finished second place as a team at the Wyoming State Championships in folkstyle, freestyle and greco-roman wrestling.
As a team, the grapplers took 31 wrestlers to the state tournament.
At the end of the three-day tournament, the team tallied a total of 21 state titles and an additional 46 top six finishes.
Nationally, the team had three all-Americans at the folkstyle nationals, three all-Americans at the freestyle nationals and three all-Americans at greco-roman nationals. The team also took 13 wrestlers to western regionals to compete in folkstyle, freestyle and greco-roman wrestling.
The grapplers walked away with four champions and an additional nine top-six finishes. Other highlights included one national greco roman champion, one Rocky Mountain National Series champion, and many wins, places and champions at numerous national events across the country.
“I think one of the bigger reasons the grapplers tradition is important is that it is truly about the young wrestler. It doesn’t matter if you win a state or a national title, it is about the love of the sport and creating a team and a family that works together to help each other grow and build to a bigger picture”, Lloyd said. “Some of my most memorable moments since I have been involved with the Grapplers have been seeing a Grappler get their first win, or seeing that wrestler who goes two or three years without a win, but stays dedicated and part of the team, to one day flip the switch and just evolve in their abilities, and to seeing those younger wrestlers on the mat in the practice room for the first time excited to be there and smiling and just loving their time practicing and being with their fellow grapplers.”
The 2014-15 off-season practices started Oct. 7 and run through December.
Practices take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Green River High School wrestling room.
Off-season practices provide those wanting to attend pre-season national tournaments, Utah-based tournaments, get a jump on the regular season, or are just ready to learn the sport.
Registration will be completed each night prior to practice for any individual wanting to join the grapplers for off season practices.
The traditional Wyoming season will start in January, with sign- ups scheduled for Dec. 15, Jan. 6, and Jan. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the high school commons area.
Regular season practices will begin Jan. 19.
For more information check out the grapplers’ website at greenrivergrapplers.com.
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