OUR TEAMS
Eastern Loudoun Wrestling Club (ELWC) is one large club comprised of different teams with their own practice and competition schedules. Participants receive general communications from the club, but team-specific information will be communicated to families directly from coaches.
Unlike last season, we expect to have teams practicing at local schools and at Top of the Podium Wrestling Center.
Our season begins the week of November 8 and runs into the end of February.
REGISTER HERE
Unlike last season, we expect to have teams practicing at local schools and at Top of the Podium Wrestling Center.
Our season begins the week of November 8 and runs into the end of February.
REGISTER HERE
JUNIOR LEOPARDS (grades K-2)
Boys and girls are introduced to the beginning basics of wrestling while emphasizing body awareness, agility, balance, movement, etc. (often through games). Most importantly, 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. All K-2 participants will be assigned to this group unless coaches approve a child in the next higher program.
Weekly practices are held at Top of the Podium on Sunday (4-5 pm) under the direction of Coach John Kazantzidis. If necessary to accommodate demand, a Monday practice may be added. Practices run from November 14 to January 30. Fees are $149.
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 normal. There are some kids who thrive on competition, however, and they are welcome to compete in Top of the Podium's Winter Wrestling Series which begins in December. 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. At the present time, the above coaches will not be at these events, however, there is likely other ELWC coaches who can coach the wrestlers. More of the pros and cons of competing will be discussed once the season starts for anyone who is interested.
LEOPARDS (grades 3-5)
In the past, we have offered two teams of elementary-age wrestlers practicing at different times and locations (Ashburn and Sterling). Due to the after effects of COVID (i.e., lower participation last season), we are expecting to field only one team this season. This team will practice on Monday and Thursday evenings (6-7:45 pm) at Top of the Podium. The team will have joint practices with DYS Thunder (like last year) and be led by TOP's Tom Houck and a group of assistant coaches. Fees are $250 for the season and include rental (with a deposit) of a uniform. Wrestlers must obtain a USA Wrestling membership (just $15 at www.themat.com).
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 more serious practices.
All Leopards have the option of competing in local tournaments and meets. Our team competes in the Winter Wrestling Series at Top of the Podium, beginning in December 2021. 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.
Regarding grades, some second graders are "old" for their grade and may 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. In contrast, if it turns out a child in the Leopards group 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." 6th graders may also join the elementary Leopard teams if it seems like a better fit based on athletic ability and maturity. Finally, older and advanced wrestlers may be invited to the Gold Leopards team, as described below.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 6-8)
ELWC manages teams for all middle schools in the Ashburn, Brambleton and Sterling areas. Practice locations are as follows:
Trailside, Eagle Ridge, and Farmwell (tentatively at Stone Bridge HS, Tuess/Thurs 6:30-8:15 pm); head coach Mike Froelich
Seneca Ridge, River Bend, and Park View (Top of the Podium on Mon/Thurs from 6:30-8:15 pm); head coach Brad Nicholson
Brambleton and Stone Hill (tentatively at Independence HS, Tues/Thurs 5:30-7:00 pm); head coach John Kazantzidis
Our Middle School teams are comprised mainly of new and novice wrestlers (more advanced wrestlers join the Gold team, as described below). Our teams compete in the Winter Wrestling Series and Dulles Duals. 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.
Fees for the Middle School team are $250 and includes a school compression shirt. Wrestlers can wear shorts or purchase fight shorts to wear with the compression shirt (alternatively, wrestlers can borrow a club singlet at no charge). Finally, athletes must also purchase a USA Wrestling membership (just $15 at www.themat.com).
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 practice 3x week (Mon/Tues/Thurs) at Top of the Podium from 6-8 pm. Fees are $250 and include a standard uniform. Wresters are required to obtain USA Wrestling memberships (just $15 at www.themat.com).
All middle school wrestlers will be recognized on their middle school teams as well as the Gold Leopards, and we hope to offer opportunities for them to compete/practice with other students from their schools. 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, Matt LoSchiavo returns as head coach and will be assisted again by Rick Hall. We will also conduct joint practices with DYS Thunder, and most of their coaches are returning from last season. This is a great group of hard-working wrestlers who are serious about improving.
FCA WEDNESDAYS
This is not part of Eastern Loudoun Wrestling, however many of our athletes will participate in optional Wednesday night practices at TOP led by FCA Wrestling-Dulles. FCA stands for the "Fellowship of Christian Athletes" and is open to anyone from any club (grades K-8) who is interested. These weekly sessions include dodgeball for warmups, wrestling practice (with kids separated by age/experience), and youth group activities that feature video testimonies from famous wrestlers, a Biblical lesson, and interactive discussion to engage minds. Registration fees are not yet finalized.
Boys and girls are introduced to the beginning basics of wrestling while emphasizing body awareness, agility, balance, movement, etc. (often through games). Most importantly, 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. All K-2 participants will be assigned to this group unless coaches approve a child in the next higher program.
Weekly practices are held at Top of the Podium on Sunday (4-5 pm) under the direction of Coach John Kazantzidis. If necessary to accommodate demand, a Monday practice may be added. Practices run from November 14 to January 30. Fees are $149.
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 normal. There are some kids who thrive on competition, however, and they are welcome to compete in Top of the Podium's Winter Wrestling Series which begins in December. 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. At the present time, the above coaches will not be at these events, however, there is likely other ELWC coaches who can coach the wrestlers. More of the pros and cons of competing will be discussed once the season starts for anyone who is interested.
LEOPARDS (grades 3-5)
In the past, we have offered two teams of elementary-age wrestlers practicing at different times and locations (Ashburn and Sterling). Due to the after effects of COVID (i.e., lower participation last season), we are expecting to field only one team this season. This team will practice on Monday and Thursday evenings (6-7:45 pm) at Top of the Podium. The team will have joint practices with DYS Thunder (like last year) and be led by TOP's Tom Houck and a group of assistant coaches. Fees are $250 for the season and include rental (with a deposit) of a uniform. Wrestlers must obtain a USA Wrestling membership (just $15 at www.themat.com).
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 more serious practices.
All Leopards have the option of competing in local tournaments and meets. Our team competes in the Winter Wrestling Series at Top of the Podium, beginning in December 2021. 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.
Regarding grades, some second graders are "old" for their grade and may 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. In contrast, if it turns out a child in the Leopards group 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." 6th graders may also join the elementary Leopard teams if it seems like a better fit based on athletic ability and maturity. Finally, older and advanced wrestlers may be invited to the Gold Leopards team, as described below.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 6-8)
ELWC manages teams for all middle schools in the Ashburn, Brambleton and Sterling areas. Practice locations are as follows:
Trailside, Eagle Ridge, and Farmwell (tentatively at Stone Bridge HS, Tuess/Thurs 6:30-8:15 pm); head coach Mike Froelich
Seneca Ridge, River Bend, and Park View (Top of the Podium on Mon/Thurs from 6:30-8:15 pm); head coach Brad Nicholson
Brambleton and Stone Hill (tentatively at Independence HS, Tues/Thurs 5:30-7:00 pm); head coach John Kazantzidis
Our Middle School teams are comprised mainly of new and novice wrestlers (more advanced wrestlers join the Gold team, as described below). Our teams compete in the Winter Wrestling Series and Dulles Duals. 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.
Fees for the Middle School team are $250 and includes a school compression shirt. Wrestlers can wear shorts or purchase fight shorts to wear with the compression shirt (alternatively, wrestlers can borrow a club singlet at no charge). Finally, athletes must also purchase a USA Wrestling membership (just $15 at www.themat.com).
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 practice 3x week (Mon/Tues/Thurs) at Top of the Podium from 6-8 pm. Fees are $250 and include a standard uniform. Wresters are required to obtain USA Wrestling memberships (just $15 at www.themat.com).
All middle school wrestlers will be recognized on their middle school teams as well as the Gold Leopards, and we hope to offer opportunities for them to compete/practice with other students from their schools. 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, Matt LoSchiavo returns as head coach and will be assisted again by Rick Hall. We will also conduct joint practices with DYS Thunder, and most of their coaches are returning from last season. This is a great group of hard-working wrestlers who are serious about improving.
FCA WEDNESDAYS
This is not part of Eastern Loudoun Wrestling, however many of our athletes will participate in optional Wednesday night practices at TOP led by FCA Wrestling-Dulles. FCA stands for the "Fellowship of Christian Athletes" and is open to anyone from any club (grades K-8) who is interested. These weekly sessions include dodgeball for warmups, wrestling practice (with kids separated by age/experience), and youth group activities that feature video testimonies from famous wrestlers, a Biblical lesson, and interactive discussion to engage minds. Registration fees are not yet finalized.