Ben Chouteau
chouteaub@usamco.com
(512) 517-8790

Kirk Offel
kirkoffel@yahoo.com
(512) 934-8490

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your interest in the youth wrestling program at Cedar Park. Two sessions are being offered both as a way to introduce new wrestlers to the sport as well as to provide more advanced wrestlers the opportunity to add to their skill set.

New Wrestlers:

Wrestling is a sport that demands much of its participants. As with everything else your child will do as he grows older, what he gets out of the time spent in the wrestling room will be directly proportional to the effort he puts forth. It is the stated goal this coaching staff to prepare young athletes for challenges they will face later in life. The sport of wrestling instills in its participants an innate sense of determination, self discipline, dedication, and confidence that we have found to be unmatched in other activities. Far from just learning moves and winning medals, your child will be presented with the opportunity to add to the foundations you as parents have lain.

Equipment:

Your wrestlers will need the following at every practice:
• Water
• Wrestling Shoes – By the third practice if not readily available
• Headgear - By the third practice if not readily available
• Athletic Shorts (no pockets or zippers)
• Gray T-Shirt (no baggy clothing)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Towel

Please ensure that your wrestler brings water to every practice. It will be warm in the wrestling room and your kids will be working hard.

Upon entering the wrestling room, street shoes should be exchanged for wrestling shoes. As we spend a great deal of time on the mat, we need to keep it as clean as possible. Please do not allow your wrestlers to wear their wrestling shoes outside of the room, and conversely, please ensure that no street shoes are worn on the mats. As we begin, if your wrestler does not have wrestling shoes available, they will be allowed to participate wearing their socks. Please, no bare feet, and again, no street shoes. Please ensure that your wrestler is well groomed, with particular emphasis on short fingernails. All clothing should be washed following each practice. All wrestlers should shower immediately after practice using an antibacterial soap (Dial).

Note to Parents:

As the parents of returning wrestlers can attest, and as new parents will soon learn, wrestling is a sport that demands a lot of young athletes. This commitment is best shared by involved parents. We encourage all that can to support their children by attending all practices and learning as much about the sport as you can. The coaches welcome your feedback and are more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have as your child progresses. Thank you in advance for the trust you are placing in our coaching staff.

PRIOR TO YOUR CHILD’S PARTICIPATION, PLEASE NOTIFY BOTH COACH BEN AND COACH KIRK OF ANY/ALL MEDICAL CONCERNS OR CONDITIONS YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE. - Including, but not limited to: asthma or any use of inhalers, any medication your child may be taking, any chronic or persistent injuries, any other medical or physical limitations that may prevent your child from participating fully.

Participation in practice sessions implies you have read and understand our request for health information relating to your child’s ability to participate, and you have judged, to the best of your ability, that your child is eligible to participate in potentially strenuous activity and do hereby give consent for participation.