I have previously written many pieces here on professional wrestling. Last week, thanks to an invitation from Maine Eagles Wrestling Club Program Director Jerry Swarbrick, I had the pleasure of experiencing a whole different bit of wrestling.
Established in 1987, the Maine Eagles are a local wrestling club and members of the IKWF (Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation). The MEWC is open to athletes of any level and ability from 7 to 14 years of age from Des Plaines, Park Ridge and surrounding areas.
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Swarbrick has been a coach with the program for 9 years and the Program Director for 4 years. The MEWC coaching staff includes Kevin Hansen (a coach on the high school level since 1995), Rob Harman (started a program at Howe Elementary School), Nick Fallico (wrestled for Michigan State University) and Rob Kellogg (wrestled for Northwestern University). Volunteers Damon Federighi, Jim Churak, Tom Halverson and Greg Bertsch round out the staff.
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The dedicated staff has produced four current Division 1 and 1A wrestlers: Joe Brewster (South Dakota St.), Chris Brassell (St. Cloud State), Tommy Pawelski (Stanford), and Steve Robertson (Pennsylvania). Last year, another Eagles alumnus Joe Rau was a National Champion for Elmhurst University.
From the look of the practice I attended, there might be some future champs in the current group. The young wrestlers were attentive, eager and focused. Whether repeating a drill for the fifth time or attempting something new, I saw real energy from these kids and real enthusiasm from the coaches.
After practice, I talked with Director Swarbrick and Coach Hansen. I knew that Illinois has always been a hotbed for professional wrestling, but I learned that Illinois has the most registered youth wrestling participants in the country. Team Illinois captured national titles in all but one of Freestyle and Greco (Olympic) styles for all three levels of competition last summer.
Some of the greatest pro wrestlers started wrestling in school or clubs. Hall of Famers like Verne Gagne, Bruno Sammartino and Kurt Angle are just a few. President George Washington, actor Tom Cruise, comedian Howie Mandel and countless other famous people also were amateur wrestlers.
Youth wrestling isn’t about becoming a celebrity, but all of the celebrities owe a little of their later success to things they learned wrestling. The hard work, discipline and tenacity certainly all play a role in the kids’ futures no matter what professional path these choose.
You might not think wrestling is for your kids, but I hope you will give it some thought. The Maine Eagles Wrestling Club is doing wonderful things for kids. I saw about two hours of practice and these kids showed no signs of letting up for the entire time. I was so impressed with everyone involved.
My original intent was to write one story to help promote what an excellent program. I left with such an uplifting feeling that I asked Director Swarbrick for a schedule so I could see more.
You hear a lot of talk about building for the future. I saw it in action first hand. My applause goes out to the Maine Eagles and my encouragement goes to any parent who is thinking about their child’s involvement.
