OUR TEAMS
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For the 2020-2021 Pre-Season (Nov-Dec), since we do not have access to local schools, all wrestlers will practice at Top of the Podium. All Eastern Loudoun team practices will take place on Mon/Wed from 5:30-7pm (except for Gold wrestlers who also practice on Fridays). Wrestlers will be assigned teams that practice at different places in the facility.
Eastern Loudoun Wrestling Club (ELWC) is one large club comprised of different teams with their own practice and competition schedules. The traditional season typically begins in early November and run into February or March (depending on the team). For the 2020-2021 season, we are splitting into a "Pre-Season" (Nov/Dec) and "Winter Season" (Jan-March). Athletes can sign up for either or both programs. |
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JUNIOR LEOPARDS (grades K-2). Boys and girls are introduced to the basics of wrestling while also emphasizing body awareness, agility, balance, movement, etc. (often through games). We want the kids to have a great time and positive experience. By separating these children from older wrestlers, we ensure they receive age-appropriate instruction. Practices are held at Top of the Podium on Monday and Wednesdays from 5:45-6:45 pm. All K-2 participants will be assigned to this group unless coaches approve that a child should be in the next higher program.
At this age, we do not encourage competition. Many in this age group aren't ready to compete (mainly emotionally/mentally), and this is perfectly fine. There are some kids who thrive on competition, however, and they will be given opportunities to participate in competitions. All kids in the program are eligible to compete in Top of the Podium's Winter Wrestling Series which is scheduled to begin in December 2020. Wrestlers compete against others of a comparable age/weight/experience level. Most events take place on Saturdays, however, there are a few exceptions during the year.
LEOPARDS (grades 3-5). We typically have two teams of elementary-age wrestlers (Red Leopards and Blue Leopards) that practice at different times and locations (Ashburn and Sterling). At the present time, there will only be one group for this season. If possible, once schools are accessible again, we hope to resume the tradition of the Blue and Red Leopards.
This team focuses on fundamentals. But most importantly, we want youth to fall in love with the sport, obtain great exercise, and have a positive experience. We understand some wrestlers on these teams may be motivated, mature and talented enough to participate in a more serious practice. In such cases, the coaches may hold an extra practice during the week. This will be invitation-only (i.e., a coach must recommend/approve a wrestler for this practice). This decision is always based on the best interests of the wrestler and club, along with potential space limitations in the room. This program will not take place in the Pre-Season, but hopefully will resume in the Winter Season.
All Leopards have the option of competing in local tournaments and meets. Our teams compete in the Winter Wrestling Series at Top of the Podium, beginning in December 2020. In most cases, wrestlers compete against others of a comparable age/weight/experience level. Most events take place on Saturdays, however, there are a few exceptions during the year. Experience shows too many kids quite wrestling if thrown into competition too soon. Thus, ELWC encourages competition if wrestlers are interested and ready. There is nothing wrong with “practice-only” or giving wrestlers occasional weeks off during the season.
Regarding grades, some second graders are "old" for their grade and may also be more advanced athletically or able to focus at a higher level than peers. If you believe a second grader is better suited for the Leopards team (as opposed to Junior Leopards), we can discuss. If it turns out the child would be better suited for the Junior Leopards, the coaches will let you know. In general, though, we believe it's better to be "bumped up" rather than "bumped down." Conversely, talk to the coaches if you believe your wrestler should bump up to a middle school team. 6th graders may also join the elementary Leopard teams if it seems like a better fit based on athletic ability and maturity.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 6-8). ELWC manages teams for all middle schools in the Ashburn, Brambleton and Sterling areas. This year, in the Pre-Season (Nov/Dec), all teams will practice at TOP and may combine with other teams. We hope to return to the high schools for practices in January and practice/compete as in a normal season. For Nov/Dec Pre-Season, wrestlers will practice on Monday/Wednesday from 5:30-7 pm.
As described below, we will select individuals to participate in "gold team" practices based on experience, ability, and work ethic. These wrestlers will work mostly with other gold wrestlers, but we also want them involved in their school program. Since these groups are practicing at the same time and place in November and December, this will be easy to accomplish.
Our Middle School teams primarily compete in the Winter Wrestling Series and Dulles Duals, tentatively planned to begin in December 2020. They also may have the opportunity to compete in other events during the season. Because there are many options, each coach will explain the opportunities to the parents after the season begins.
If your school isn’t listed above, don’t worry. We will assign your wrestler to a team that makes sense. For more information on school teams, click here.
GOLD LEOPARDS (grades 5-8). This group is invitation-only and is generally comprised of experienced, motivated, dedicated and mature wrestlers. Most kids are older with multiple years of experience. The coaches expect athletes to take practice seriously and reserve the right to move wrestlers in/out of this team for the good of the team. This will largely be comprised of wrestlers in 5th grade and older, although all former Gold wrestlers are invited back into this group and exceptions can be approved.
The Gold Leopards will practice 3x week (Mon/Wed/Fri) at Top of the Podium during the Pre-Season. Unlike the past, all middle school wrestlers will be officially assigned to their school teams but also be recognized as Gold wrestlers. This season, significant efforts will be undertaken to have athletes integrated into their school teams while also benefiting from advanced instruction in the gold room. Working with local high school coaches, we understand our middle school team program is unique in the region, and we do not want gold wrestlers to miss out on this experience, including forming relationships with future teammates and coaches.
This season, we are glad to welcome long-time high school coach (and former ELWC Blue Leopards coach) Matt LoSchiavo and Matt Keel (head coach Tech Squad Wrestling Club) on to the coaching staff. Gold coaches Rick Hall and Mike DeSantos return as well, and we are hoping to add more experienced coach to the staff. In addition, the Gold team will conduct joint practices with the advanced team of Dulles Youth Sports (DYS). This brings more quality partners and coaches into the practice room!
At this age, we do not encourage competition. Many in this age group aren't ready to compete (mainly emotionally/mentally), and this is perfectly fine. There are some kids who thrive on competition, however, and they will be given opportunities to participate in competitions. All kids in the program are eligible to compete in Top of the Podium's Winter Wrestling Series which is scheduled to begin in December 2020. Wrestlers compete against others of a comparable age/weight/experience level. Most events take place on Saturdays, however, there are a few exceptions during the year.
LEOPARDS (grades 3-5). We typically have two teams of elementary-age wrestlers (Red Leopards and Blue Leopards) that practice at different times and locations (Ashburn and Sterling). At the present time, there will only be one group for this season. If possible, once schools are accessible again, we hope to resume the tradition of the Blue and Red Leopards.
This team focuses on fundamentals. But most importantly, we want youth to fall in love with the sport, obtain great exercise, and have a positive experience. We understand some wrestlers on these teams may be motivated, mature and talented enough to participate in a more serious practice. In such cases, the coaches may hold an extra practice during the week. This will be invitation-only (i.e., a coach must recommend/approve a wrestler for this practice). This decision is always based on the best interests of the wrestler and club, along with potential space limitations in the room. This program will not take place in the Pre-Season, but hopefully will resume in the Winter Season.
All Leopards have the option of competing in local tournaments and meets. Our teams compete in the Winter Wrestling Series at Top of the Podium, beginning in December 2020. In most cases, wrestlers compete against others of a comparable age/weight/experience level. Most events take place on Saturdays, however, there are a few exceptions during the year. Experience shows too many kids quite wrestling if thrown into competition too soon. Thus, ELWC encourages competition if wrestlers are interested and ready. There is nothing wrong with “practice-only” or giving wrestlers occasional weeks off during the season.
Regarding grades, some second graders are "old" for their grade and may also be more advanced athletically or able to focus at a higher level than peers. If you believe a second grader is better suited for the Leopards team (as opposed to Junior Leopards), we can discuss. If it turns out the child would be better suited for the Junior Leopards, the coaches will let you know. In general, though, we believe it's better to be "bumped up" rather than "bumped down." Conversely, talk to the coaches if you believe your wrestler should bump up to a middle school team. 6th graders may also join the elementary Leopard teams if it seems like a better fit based on athletic ability and maturity.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 6-8). ELWC manages teams for all middle schools in the Ashburn, Brambleton and Sterling areas. This year, in the Pre-Season (Nov/Dec), all teams will practice at TOP and may combine with other teams. We hope to return to the high schools for practices in January and practice/compete as in a normal season. For Nov/Dec Pre-Season, wrestlers will practice on Monday/Wednesday from 5:30-7 pm.
As described below, we will select individuals to participate in "gold team" practices based on experience, ability, and work ethic. These wrestlers will work mostly with other gold wrestlers, but we also want them involved in their school program. Since these groups are practicing at the same time and place in November and December, this will be easy to accomplish.
Our Middle School teams primarily compete in the Winter Wrestling Series and Dulles Duals, tentatively planned to begin in December 2020. They also may have the opportunity to compete in other events during the season. Because there are many options, each coach will explain the opportunities to the parents after the season begins.
If your school isn’t listed above, don’t worry. We will assign your wrestler to a team that makes sense. For more information on school teams, click here.
GOLD LEOPARDS (grades 5-8). This group is invitation-only and is generally comprised of experienced, motivated, dedicated and mature wrestlers. Most kids are older with multiple years of experience. The coaches expect athletes to take practice seriously and reserve the right to move wrestlers in/out of this team for the good of the team. This will largely be comprised of wrestlers in 5th grade and older, although all former Gold wrestlers are invited back into this group and exceptions can be approved.
The Gold Leopards will practice 3x week (Mon/Wed/Fri) at Top of the Podium during the Pre-Season. Unlike the past, all middle school wrestlers will be officially assigned to their school teams but also be recognized as Gold wrestlers. This season, significant efforts will be undertaken to have athletes integrated into their school teams while also benefiting from advanced instruction in the gold room. Working with local high school coaches, we understand our middle school team program is unique in the region, and we do not want gold wrestlers to miss out on this experience, including forming relationships with future teammates and coaches.
This season, we are glad to welcome long-time high school coach (and former ELWC Blue Leopards coach) Matt LoSchiavo and Matt Keel (head coach Tech Squad Wrestling Club) on to the coaching staff. Gold coaches Rick Hall and Mike DeSantos return as well, and we are hoping to add more experienced coach to the staff. In addition, the Gold team will conduct joint practices with the advanced team of Dulles Youth Sports (DYS). This brings more quality partners and coaches into the practice room!