2018 Wildcat Summer Camp Announced!

2018 Wildcat Wrestling Team Camp

• Beginners Camp: Monday, July 9 through Thursday, July 12
  4:30—6:00pm each day, for novice wrestlers and youth wrestlers; minimum age is 6 years old; children who will be in Kindergarten or 1st grade in the 2018-19 school year must have adult supervision
• Advanced Camp: Monday, July 9 through Thursday, July 12
  6:30—8:30pm each evening, for high school wrestlers, experienced middle school wrestlers, and experienced youth wrestlers

**All Louisburg Wrestlers are invited to register for the Sunflower State Games, which will be held Saturday, July 14, at the Kansas Expocenter.

Camp Location: Louisburg High School main gym
Contact: Bobby Bovaird, LHS Head Wrestling Coach
(913) 424-0999 (cell)
bovairdr@usd416.org

Cost: $35 (includes shirt, insurance — Please make checks payable to CDWCK)

Objectives: To teach and practice the wrestling skills, techniques, and philosophy of the Louisburg Wildcats Wrestling squad; build team unity at all age levels; reinforce fundamental wrestling skills.

Please fill out this flyer, print, and mail with $35 check to:

Bobby Bovaird, Head Wrestling Coach
1311 N 1st St. East

Deadline: July 1, 2018 Louisburg, KS 66053

Registrations are welcome up to the first session of camp, but any received after the deadline will not be guaranteed a camp t-shirt

2018 Ironman Award

What is the “Ironman Award”? The Ironman Award is an honor you can earn by participating in off-season wrestling. Winners of this award will receive a t-shirt with the names of all Ironman Award winners printed on the back. Each succeeding year, more names will be added to the shirt.

How can I win the Ironman Award? Each event has been given a certain number of points. Attendance and participation must be documented through Track Wrestling, coaches, or other means. In order to win the Ironman Award, a wrestler must earn 100 points. Points must be verified and submitted to Coach Bovaird prior to August 1, 2018.

2017 Ironman Award Winners: Ryan Adams, Kaden Allen, Kyle Allen (2017 winner), Bo Ballard, Aiden Barker, Garrett Caldwell, Brandon Doles, Collin Hamilton, Nathan Hamilton, Cade Holtzen

2016 Ironman Award Winners: Ryan Adams (2016 winner), Kyle Allen, Hunter Bindi, Garrett Caldwell, Brandon Doles

Point Values:

• LHS Team Camp, 25 points
• University Level Camps, 20-30 points (based on difficulty and duration)
• Outdoor Challenge Camp, 35 points
• Open Mat workouts, 5 points each
• Sunflower State Games, 15 points per style
• Summer Takedown Leagues, 10 points per competition
• Freestyle / Greco-Roman, 5 points per practice, 15 points per tournament

Local Summer Camps — JUNE:

• Chanute True Blue Camp @ Chanute High School, June 5-7 — featuring Oklahoma State University clinicians (15 points)
• Rocky Mountain Wrestling Camps @ Western State Colorado University, June 10-13 (20 points)
• Granby School of Wrestling Camp @ Andover High School, June 11-13 (20 points)
• FCA Wrestling 24 Hours with God Camp @ Ray-Pec, June 15-16 (20 points)
• Brooklyn, Iowa Wrestling Camp, June 10-14 (25 points)
• Nebraska Cornhusker Intensive Camp, June 11-22 (35 points)
• Oklahoma State University Intensive Training Camp, June 17-26 (35 points)
• Oklahoma State University Technique Camp, June 17-21 (20 points)
• Iron Elite Wrestling Camp @ Gardner, June 23-24 (15 points)
  
• J Robinson Technique Camp @ McPherson, June 24-28 (20 points)
• Purler Leg Riding Camp @ Baldwin, June 27-28 (15 points)

Local Summer Camps — JULY:

• 2018 Louisburg Team Camp @ LHS, July 9-12 (25 points)
• Peak Performance Wrestling Camp @ Olathe South High School, July 24-27 — featuring NCAA D1 wrestlers and coaches (20 points)

Summer Wrestling Leagues:

• Top City Summer Wrestling League @ Seaman High School, Thursdays in June
• Southeast Kansas Takedown League @ Burlington High School, Wednesdays in June

Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling!

Why should I wrestle in the off-season?

I saw a quote on Facebook not too long ago. It said, “You think off-season wrestling is optional? So is winning.” Life gets busy in the spring and our wrestlers are pretty heavily involved in other sports. I understand that, but I just want to ask you to consider trying Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. These are the two international styles of wrestling that will greatly enhance your ability on the mat during our high school season.

Here are some common misconceptions about wrestling Freestyle and Greco-Roman (FS/GR).

There are no practices close by. Even though the LHS practice room isn’t available for FS/GR practices, you can find a Regional Training Center close by. These RTCs are designed by USA Wrestling-Kansas to help promote the international styles of wrestling and to make them more accessible to Kansas wrestlers. There are area RTCs running practices every weeknight.

I don’t have time for them. FS/GR practices are weekly and usually run about an hour and a half long. No one is taking attendance. You can attend periodic practices. You might find you like it and then you would be able to make time for it.

It’s too expensive. All you need to pay for is a $37 USAW membership card, which can be ordered through me with the Wildcat Wrestling Club. Our club has a fund set up to help cover the costs if there are wrestlers who have trouble coming up with the money for the USAW card.

It’s too complicated. You learn as you go. My first FS/GR tournament, I was as nervous as can be, and all my coach told me was to go wrestle. I’ll figure it out. And I did. Most tournaments have a brief rules explanation prior to their start. The coaches at the RTC practices are very helpful with those wrestlers who want to learn these styles. No one will judge you for being inexperienced.

Only the best wrestlers do FS/GR. The most goal-oriented and dedicated wrestlers do FS/GR. Not every state champion or state placer has done these styles, but most have. Look at the kids who make huge strides from one season to the next. All it takes is the willingness to give it a shot. You’d be surprised how much your skills improve with a little off-season dedication.

Here are the local RTCs that are available if you want to do any FS/GR:

• Mondays @ Baker University, 6:30-8pm (Mabee Hall on the BU campus, 2nd floor)
• Tuesdays @ SM West, 6-7:30pm
• Wednesdays @ Leavenworth, 6-7:30pm
• Wednesdays @ Baldwin, 5:30-7pm (Multi-purpose room at Baldwin Junior High)
• Thursdays @ Olathe South, 6-7:30pm
• Thursdays @ Baldwin, 5:30-7pm

Tournaments:

• Saturday, April 14: Black and Blue Freestyle, SM West HS
• Saturday, April 21: Fight or Flight Freestyle and Greco-Roman, Staley HS (MO)
• Saturday, April 28: Ultimate Freestyle Championships, Blue Spring HS (MO)
• Saturday, April 28: Battle at the Junction Freestyle and Greco-Roman, Junction City HS
• Saturday, May 5: USAWKS State Freestyle and Greco-Roman, Hutchinson HS
• Saturday, June 2 / Sunday, June 3: Southern Plains Regional Freestyle and Greco-Roman, Dodge City

Registration open for 2017-18 Wildcat Wrestling Club!

The Wildcat Wrestling Club is a USA Wrestling chartered club sponsored by the Carpe Diem Wrestling Club of Kansas, a not-for-profit organization. Our club is dedicated to providing the opportunity to participate in youth sports with a focus on character development, personal health, and skill development. We are committed to providing a youth wrestling program that stresses wrestling in a positive atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of fun with the sport while learning the fundamentals and getting exercise. It is our goal to introduce the sport of wrestling to our members in an exciting and fun atmosphere.

The Wildcat Wrestling Club is now accepting registrations for the upcoming wrestling season! Click HERE to download our registration form!

Cost:
Option A: Non-Competition Squad, $35 for kids who just want to practice
Option B: Competition Squad, $55 for kids who want to compete in tournaments.
(Both options include practice facility usage fee and club t-shirt. Option B includes a USA-Wrestling membership.)

Please make checks payable to Carpe Diem Wrestling Club of Kansas

Practices:
Practices begin Thursday, November 30, in the Louisburg High School wrestling room. Advanced wrestlers will practice on Mondays 6:00-7:15pm, Tuesdays 7:15-8:30pm, and Thursdays 7:15-8:30pm. Novice wrestlers will practice Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-7:15pm. Wrestlers will need to practice in shorts and t-shirts (no jeans or cut-offs), and they should have wrestling shoes. Please arrive to practice at least 15 minutes early so that the team can start promptly.

Coaches:
Advanced Wrestlers: Jon Clayton, head coach; Bobby Bovaird, asst. coach
Novice Wrestlers: Shawn Crossley, head coach; Trevor Finch, asst. coach; James Auth, asst. coach
Additional Coaches: Janson Lanier, Adam Noll, Bradley Trageser, Sam Campbell, Brandon Ott

All coaches have passed a background check and are certified members of USAW.

Tournaments:
In order to compete in tournaments, wrestlers must go with Option B for team membership, which will get them a USA-Wrestling card. Wrestlers must have wrestling shoes, headgear, and singlet to compete. Our team tournament schedule will be posted at the start of the season. Tournaments are not required, but they are encouraged so that wrestlers can get a true feel for the sport. Tournaments are an additional cost per tournament. Advanced wrestlers will compete in open tournaments (Saturdays throughout the season), and novice wrestlers will compete in novice tournaments (Sundays throughout the season).

Club Communication:
The Wildcat Wrestling Club will utilize email, Facebook, and the Band app to communicate with club members throughout the season regarding announcements, tournament schedule, practice changes, etc. Please be sure that you have access to at least one of these options to stay fully informed.

For more information, contact:
Email: wildcatwrestlingclub@hotmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cdwck/

Fish Fry and Raffle to support the Wildcat Wrestling Club!

Join the Wildcat Wrestling Club for a FISH FRY and a RAFFLE on Saturday, October 14! We will be serving dinner from 5-7 at the Louisburg American Legion, Post 250. Details below!

DINNER
When: Saturday, October 14
Time: Dinner 5-7pm
Location: American Legion Post 250
Cost: Adults $7, Children $3

RAFFLE:
Time: Drawing begins at 7pm
Cost: $1 each, $20 for 25 tickets
Click HERE to view raffle items!

The WILDCAT WRESTLING CLUB is a youth sports organization entering its second year of operation. The WWC is sponsored by the Carpe Diem Wrestling Club of Kansas, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the Louisburg community. All proceeds from this event will go toward facility use fees, insurance, singlets, and wrestling mat supplies. Our club’s vision is to provide a competitive and affordable youth wrestling program to the community of Louisburg. All WWC coaches are Bronze Certified members of USA Wrestling.

Wildcat Youth Wrestling Clinic announced!

The Louisburg High School and Wildcat Wrestling Club programs are once again offering a FREE youth clinic for all USD 416 students grades K-6. Join us as the LHS and WWC coaches work with youth to learn the sport of wrestling on Monday, October 9, through Wednesday, October 11, in the Louisburg High School wrestling room. Sessions will be from 6-7:15pm and it is FREE of charge!

Register for the clinic by filling out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeTP7umIICTndE8a8rPcl3mHBw03w0rJpIpDoDrt9Bebqw9w/viewform?usp=sf_link

WHEN: Monday October 9, Tuesday October 10, and Wednesday October 11, from 6-7:15 in the LHS Wrestling Room

WHO: Rockville, Broadmoor, and LMS students, grades K-6.

COST: FREE!

FOCUS AND OBJECTIVES: The focus of this clinic will be on the FUN and FUNDAMENTALS of the sport of Wrestling. Participating students will be instructed by LHS head wrestling coach Bobby Bovaird, Wildcat Wrestling Club coaches, and LHS coaches and wrestlers on various techniques and skills important to the sport of wrestling. They will also engage in wrestling-based games that emphasize physical activity and exercise.

Participating wrestlers may wear shorts or sweatpants, t-shirt, and tennis shoes or wrestling shoes. Please no jeans, cut-offs, or articles clothing with metal that could tear the wrestling mats or scratch other participants.

CONTACT INFO: Bobby Bovaird, LHS head wrestling coach, bovairdr@usd416.org, (913)424-0999

Wildcat Wrestling wraps up summer on the mats!

After two months of getting in some quality off-season mat time, the Wildcat Wrestlers have wrapped up for the summer. This summer, we saw lots of wrestlers dedicating themselves to getting back to work after a successful 2016-17 season. Here are some of the highlights from this off-season:

IRONMAN AWARD: (Note: wrestlers who racked up at least 100 points have earned the “Ironman Award”)
1. Kyle Allen — 195
2. Kaden Allen — 184
3. Cade Holtzen — 166
4. Garrett Caldwell — 116
5. Aiden Barker — 115
6. Bo Ballard, Brandon Doles — 105
7. Ryan Adams — 104
8. Collin Hamilton, Nathan Hamilton — 100
9. Sam Kratochvil, Brayden Yoder — 61
10. Xander Auth — 60
11. Jay McCaskill — 55
12. Jarrett Hoyle — 45
13. Tucker Batten, Jonas Briley, Thad Hendrix, Alec Maler, Bronc Noll, Traden Noll — 40
14. Blue Caplinger, Ben Wiedenmann — 30
15. Tyler Bussard — 29
16. Austin Moore — 20
17. Ashton Moore — 10

SUNFLOWER STATE GAMES TAKEDOWN TOURNAMENT:
1st place: Owen Ebenstein, 8U; Kaden Allen, 10U; Jay McCaskill, 12U; Kyle Allen, HS
2nd place: Brandon Doles, 14U; Cade Holtzen, HS
3rd place: Brayden Yoder, 10U; Aiden Barker, 14U; Ryan Adams, HS
4th place: Bo Ballard, 8U; Camren Ebenstein, 8U

SUNFLOWER STATE GAMES FOLKSTYLE TOURNAMENT:
1st place: Kaden Allen, 10U; Sam Kratochvil, 14U; Ryan Adams, HS; Garrett Caldwell, HS; Bobby Bovaird, 19-29
2nd place: Bronc Noll, 10U; Brayden Yoder, 10U; Aiden Barker, 14U; Brandon Doles, 14U; Brandon Ott, 19-29; Scott Ballard, 30-39; Adam Noll, 40-49
3rd place: Owen Ebenstein, 8U; Traden Noll, 12U; Cade Holtzen, HS; Chris Turner, 19-29; Shea Cox, 19-29
4th place: Braddock Tharp, 8U; Xander Auth, 8U; Bo Ballard, 8U; Camren Ebenstein, 8U; Kyle Allen, HS; Shawn Crossley, 19-29; James Auth, 30-39; Jay McCaskill, 12

PENN STATE “WEEK IN THE DEN” CAMP @ BAKER U: Kyle Allen, Brandon Doles, Aiden Barker, Kaden Allen, and Bo Ballard

MARK ELLIS CLINIC @ LHS: Kyle Allen, Kaden Allen, Cade Holtzen, Garrett Caldwell, Bo Ballard, Ryan Adams, Aiden Barker, Collin Hamilton, Nathan Hamilton, Xander Auth, Jarrett Hoyle, Tucker Batten, Jonas Briley, Thad Hendrix, Alec Maler, Austin Moore

BVSW / IOWA CAMP: Cade Holtzen

SPRING HILL / FHSU CAMP: Aiden Barker

FREESTYLE / GRECO-ROMAN TOURNAMENTS: Kaden Allen, Kyle Allen

HEARTLAND NATIONALS: Cade Holtzen

A HUGE thanks goes out to all the Louisburg High School and Wildcat Wrestling Club coaches who helped out this summer: Brandon Ott, Andy Wright, Shawn Crossley, Jon Clayton, James Auth, Janson Lanier, Sam Campbell, Bradley Trageser, Adam Noll, and Trevor Finch.

I’m so proud of all the extra summer work that the Louisburg wrestlers have been putting in. The future for the Wildcat wrestling program is definitely looking bright, thanks to the hard work of the Louisburg wrestlers. Thank you for all your efforts! Parents and coaches, thanks to you also for all your support!

2017 Ironman Award

What is the “Ironman Award”? The Ironman Award is an honor you can earn by participating in off-season wrestling. Winners of this award will receive a t-shirt with the names of all Ironman Award winners printed on the back. Each succeeding year, more names will be added to the shirt.

How can I win the Ironman Award? Each event has been given a certain number of points. Attendance and participation must be documented through Track Wrestling, coaches, or other means. In order to win the Ironman Award, a wrestler must earn 100 points. Points must be verified and submitted to Coach Bovaird prior to August 1, 2017.

2016 Ironman Award Winners: Brandon Doles, Hunter Bindi, Kyle Allen, Garrett Caldwell, Ryan Adams (2016 winner)

Point Values:

• LHS Team Camp, 25 points
• University Level Camps, 20-30 points (based on difficulty and duration)
• Outdoor Challenge Camp, 35 points
• Open Mat workouts, 5 points each
• Sunflower State Games, 15 points per style
• Summer Takedown Leagues, 10 points per competition
• Freestyle / Greco-Roman, 5 points per practice, 15 points per tournament
• DC Gold Summer Clinics, 7 points per practice

Local Summer Camps — MAY:

• CMP Crab and Leg Riding Camp @ Mill Valley, May 30-31 (10 points)
• Bronco Wrestling Camp of Champions, hosted by Spring Hill and featuring National Wrestling Hall of Fame member Bob Smith, May 31-June 2 (15 points)
• Southern Plains Freestyle / Greco-Roman Camp, May 30 through June 2 @ Newman University in Wichita, KS (15 points)

Local Summer Camps — JUNE:

• Mizzou Tiger Style Camp @ Platte City MO, June 6-8 (20 points)
• Granby Camp @ Andover High School, Monday June 12 through Wednesday June 14 (15 points)
• True Blue Camp, hosted by Chanute High School, June 13-15 (15 points)
• Ben Askren Camp @ Olathe East HS, June 13-14 (10 points)
• Ft. Hays State Tiger Wrestling Camp @ FHSU, June 18-21 (20 points) 
• BVSW Camp featuring IOWA HAWKEYE ALL-AMERICANS, Tuesday June 20 through Thursday June 22 (15 points)

Local Summer Camps — JULY:

• KS-OK Camp in Ark City, July 7-9 (12 points)
• Week in the Den, hosted by Baker University and featuring 2017 NCAA Champions Penn State, July 24-27 (30 points)

Summer Wrestling Leagues:

• Southeast Kansas Takedown League, hosted by Burlington High School, Wednesday evenings June 7-28 (10 points per competition)
• Top City Summer Wrestling League, hosted by Seaman High School, Thursday evenings June 8-29 (10 points per competition)

Wildcats celebrate successful 2017 season!

Monday evening, we gathered one last time as a team to celebrate the many successes of the 2016-17 wrestling season. It was truly an historic season for the program, and we all have much to be proud of. Here are some of the highlights of the awards and honors given out:

Varsity Letter-winners:

(#) indicates number of years lettered
Seniors: Terry Allen (1), Ben Hupp (3), Nathan Keegan (4), Mason Koechner (4), Dylan Meyer (3), Austin Raetzel (2), Owen Staver (1)
Juniors: Ryan Adams (2), Kyle Allen (3), Tucker Batten (3), Garrett Caldwell (1), Thad Hendrix (3), Alec Maler (1)
Sophomores: Blue Caplinger (2), Austin Moore (2)

Team Awards:

Senior Wrestler of the Year — Mason Koechner
Wrestler of the Year — Ryan Adams
Wildcat of the Year — Owen Staver
Workhorse Award — Ben Hupp
Newcomer of the Year — Dylan Meyer
JV Wrestler of the Year — Garrett Caldwell
Highest GPA — Sam Kratochvil, Austin Moore

Other Honors:

KWCA Academic All-State:
First Team: Ben Hupp (182 lbs.), Austin Raetzel (195 lbs.)
Honorable Mention: Owen Staver (170 lbs.), Mason Koechner (285 lbs.)
Miami County Republic Tri-County Spotlight Team:
1st Team: Nathan Keegan (126 lbs.), Ryan Adams (138 lbs.), Austin Raetzel (195 lbs.)
2nd Team: Thad Hendrix (106 lbs.), Kyle Allen (126 lbs.), Tucker Batten (132 lbs.), Dylan Meyer (145 lbs.), Blue Caplinger (160 lbs.), Austin Moore (170 lbs.), Mason Koechner (285 lbs.)
Honorable Mention: Alec Maler (152 lbs.), Ben Hupp (182 lbs.)

Contributors of the Year:

Sam Long
Shawn Crossley
Bruce Caldwell

Click on the image below to view the 2017 Wildcat Wrestling Yearbook!

Ott joins Wildcat coaching staff

The Wildcat Wrestling family would like to welcome assistant coach Brandon Ott to the 2016-17 coaching staff.

Coach Ott is entering his first year with us and he brings a wealth of experience. He is currently finishing up his undergrad degree at Ottawa University, where he will graduate in December with a BS in Sports Studies with an Emphasis in Coaching.

This past fall, Coach Ott has been serving as a student assistant wrestling coach for OU. He wrestled collegiately for the Ottawa Braves for two years and was a two-year letter-winner. He’s a 2011 graduate of Ottawa High School, where he played football (3-year letter-winner) and wrestled (4-year letter-winner, Frontier League champion).

Coach Ott and his fiancee Megan live in Ottawa with their dog Brigsley. Welcome to the family!