“Hall of Famer Les Anderson, “The Champions Coach” is recognized as one of the best technical wrestling instructors in the sport of wrestling. Among the hundreds of Conference, NCAA, World and Olympic Champions trained and mentored by Coach Anderson, notable wrestlers include Olympic Gold Medalists Ben Peterson, Dan Gable and Kevin Jackson. I am proud and honored to co-host this site with legendary coach, Les Anderson.”
Scott Casber
TakeDownWrestling Media
“Les Anderson is one of the Nation’s Top Technical coaches. Coach Anderson can take you to the next level of TECHNIQUE. He cares about his wrestlers……and his wrestlers care about him.”
Pete Galea
2 time NCAA All-American
First 4 time Champion in Big 8/12 Conference history
Midlands Champion
“Les Anderson is clear and precise in explaining as well as evaluating. He knows the best techniques and he knows how to teach. I highly recommend Les Anderson as a Clinician in the sport of wrestling.”
Ben Peterson
Olympic Gold Medalist
“I believe this Championship instructional set belongs in the video library of every Coach and Camp Instructor! Coach Anderson provides the most comprehensive insight into technique I have ever seen; and I’ve seen many of the best out there.”
Ron Pineda
Longtime Coach and active supporter of wrestling for over 50 years
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Information for you the parent:
We will start by letting you know that if your student athlete would like to compete at the collegiate level, there is every chance that this will be possible. There is no secret that many kids and parents alike have a much higher opinion of the athletic ability of the student than potential coaches may have. This is not meant to discourage you, rather it is meant to open your eyes and mind to all of the opportunities that your student athlete may have available. That said, let’s look at some of the things you will have to consider while you navigate through the collegiate selection process.
It is currently estimated that there are between 250,000 and 350,000 Junior High and High School wrestlers competing in this country alone. With the growth of junior programs, camps, training and tournaments, this number is not expected to shrink in the near future. Not every participant is interested in competing at the next level, but you can be assured that a great number will be interested in investigating the possibility.
As a parent, you are best prepared when you are armed with enough information to make a sound family decision. We can point you in the right direction.
Our site will give you an opportunity to see what members and coaches at many levels have to say about the opportunities within their collegiate category.
Academics
If you haven’t done so yet, please follow our links to review the academic requirements expected of your child in each of the collegiate levels offering the sport of wrestling. Remember, many schools have requirements that may be different than the governing organization. This is generally an area that can not be taken lightly. All schools will use academic achievement as a yardstick for acceptance. That goes both ways. Your child may need a couple of years to develop habits that will allow the combination of athletic and academic success. The Junior College system is a perfect place to start if your child wants to continue to compete, but has been unable to attain the academic requirements and athletic skills needed to be accepted at another level.
The ability to balance both academic and athletic achievement can be very difficult for all student-athletes, but is particularly difficult for 1st and 2nd year students. What does your child want to study? Is there a particular academic interest that should be taken into consideration when the selection process begins? Unless there is an absolute “Blue Chip” opportunity known and available to your child, you must depend upon your High School Coach and more importantly, the schools guidance counselor to provide the information you will need. GPA and National Test scores are vital.
Your child’s guidance counselor will be able to provide the most important initial information in this regard. Every Assistant and Head Coach involved in collegiate recruiting depends heavily on the input from school guidance counselors. You should too.
Financial Consideration
What ability does your family currently have available to support the expense of a college education? Your first realistic goal is to determine your child’s ability to compete at the next level with either athletic or academic scholarship support. You must familiarize yourself with the various costs in schools you are looking at from a tuition, housing, book and incidentals standpoint. What are the differences when comparing “In-State” and “Out-of-State” tuition expenses? Does your state have a “scholarship reward” program based on academic achievement that could offset expenses?
The Athletic Departments of schools you are investigating will provide you with rules and guidelines regarding work-study programs and outside support. Your High School guidance counselor will provide you with additional scholarship and grant opportunities that may be available to your child. Student loans are available to both students and parents. Gather enough information, and prepare and submit the proper paperwork early enough in the process to determine scholarship, grant and loan availability.
Location& Student-Athlete comfort
You know your child better than anyone. You can be of great help in beginning to find the right “fit” for your student athlete. They must be comfortable with both the academic and athletic environment. Beyond the comfort level provided by the coaching staff and fellow athletes, the size of the student population, average numbers within the classroom, the varieties of studies available and distance from home are very important factors to consider.
Skill & Visibility
What can a parent do to assist their child in preparing them for athletic competition at the next level? If their skills appear to be strong enough to attract coaches at a higher level, how do you make this known?
This will start with a well rounded wrestling and training background. To practice and develop good technique and skills, there are a number of excellent videos available from wrestlers and coaches who have succeeded at the highest levels. Attendance at wrestling camps should be encouraged. Local, regional and national tournaments offer two things. First, they give your wrestler an opportunity to experience competition at a higher and expanded level. Secondly, your wrestler has the opportunity to create visibility. Coaches, recruiters and alumni are always keeping an eye out for both experienced competitors and rising stars. A big part of a coaches selection process, put simply is, “What are you doing now and what improvement are you showing?”
Governing Organization Links
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