Will be posting up and pinning a  notification on the Twitter (now X) account to comply with PWCS requirements.  The Big Teams notifications that you subscribe to and any email from coaches or staff from a pwcs.edu address are official communications and are the primary method of communication that you should receive from us.  

Sent out a post on this yesterday, but think the system glitched.  A couple notes:

1. Best of luck to our Melee til Midnight competitors tonight @ GMU.  Will see you there.  Doors open around 4:00 and the clinic starts at 4:30. 

2. This phase of off-season workouts are complete.  Next, will see those who signed up for the GMU team camp July 5-8.  

3. Next phase of off-season workouts will pick up on/about Aug 14.  Will start with a kick-off meeting b/w Aug 9-11 for returning wrestlers, which will also serve as an interest meeting for new wrestlers.  I have to run dates/times/locations through the athletics' office, more to follow once locked in. 

Enjoy your holiday weekend.  

Turning back to a Folkstyle focus during off-season workouts in preparation for the Melee on June 17.  GMU will host and proceeds go to benefit the Eric Monday Foundation.  

Details for registration: https://melee-til-midnight.com/

University of Pennsylvania is hosting a prospect camp on June 23 for individuals interested in wrestling D1 after high school.  The camp will have some serious high level coaches from both the Penn wrestling staff, as well as, Jordan Burroughs, Joey McKenna, Dave McFadden and Mark Hall.  

Timeline: 

Fee is $150.  More info at the link: https://www.pennwrestlingcamps.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1272407 

SATURDAY | APRIL 29TH

The USMC Sports Leadership Academy are the premier, free one-day camps for athletic and leadership development. Members of the United States Marines will lead the athletes through leadership training, physical training and team building.

In addition, we focus on the enhancement of skills that are  specific  to your sport including competition. You will be able to  showcase  your talent against the top players from your area.  

ROBINSON SECONDARY

5035 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032

8:30A | Check-In

9:00A | Clinic Starts

3:30P | Awards Ceremony

Register at usmcsports.com 

The 2023 VAWA Freestyle & Greco State Championships will take place on May 20/21 at JR Tucker High School in Richmond, VA.

Registration will open on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Entry is $40/style:

https://www.virginiawrestling.com/page/show/4781660-vawa-state-fs-gr-championships

1. We will start off-season workouts on April 12 and go every Mon/Weds until the end of school. 

2. We will be in the weight room from 5:00-5:30, focused on strength over conditioning

3. We will have open mat from 5:30-6:30, working folkstyle, freestyle and Greco techniques

4. George Mason University will host its wrestling camp from July 5-8.  Would like to make this the "go-to" camp for our wrestlers, but if those dates don't work, there are several colleges and universities in VA with opportunities. I will send out the registration link once I receive it from GMU.  

Not sure, but hopeful, that Patriot alum and current GMU 285, Donovan Sprouse will be one of the camp counselors.  

Legend Wrestling and Top of the Podium will host several commuter camps over the summer, link to their page follows: 

https://www.legendwrestling.org/programs/camps-clinics

If the resident camp at GMU doesn't work for you this summer, they are hosting their coaches and wrestlers in for a 4 day camp July 10-13.  Others in the lineup:

Girls Freestyle State Prep Camp - May 13th 9:00am-3:00pm

Girls Clinic - June 10th Time TBD

TOP Beginner/Novice Camp - June 19th-22nd 9:00am-12:00pm

NC State University Camp - June 26th-29th 9:00am-3:00pm

George Mason University Camp - July 10th-13th 9:00am-3:00pm

Link went live today:

https://patriotwrestlingcamps.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT

Register for the 2023 Team Camp, send me a note at edwardrj@pwcs.edu when you have registered so I can track our numbers.  

It is a commuter camp only, no on-campus housing available.  

Congratulations to all of our wrestlers who competed at MAWA yesterday: Dominic Hildreth, Shaun Gryczewski, Hunter Gryczewski, Hunter Swanson, Liam Young, Luis Parades, Max Dunayer and Luca Dworakowski.  

Additional congrats to Dom and Shaun taking 2d and 3d in their brackets, respectively.  Next season has already begun and this work with various local clubs and off-season tournaments will only sharpen your talents to make a run next winter at States. 

In addition to MAWA, VAWA will be hosting the open Freestyle and Greco Roman championships in early May, this tournament is a qualifier for the national competition in Fargo, ND: 

https://www.virginiawrestling.com/page/show/4781660-vawa-state-fs-gr-championships

Tentative location is Riverbend HS in Fredericksburg, but I have heard that the location may change prior execution.  

Season information (flyer attached):

Location: Gainesville High School, 13150 University Blvd., Gainesville, Virginia 20155

Day(s) and time: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:45-8:45

Start Date: February 28 th , Tuesday

Cost: $225, shirt included.

Great effort out of the team yesterday at Orange County, bunch of our wrestlers got on the podium and it gave some of our younger wrestlers a good look at what a grind a day long tournament can be.  On to districts this week: 

Monday- Practice, 4:30-6:30

Tuesday- Practice, 4:30-6:30.  At the end of practice, the team will vote on captains for next year's season and the results will be announced at the team end of season awards dinner. 

Wednesday- No varsity practice, JV to Brentsville District for their final jamboree. 

4:00 Showtime for weight check

4:30 Bus departs

5:00 Weigh in

6:00-9:00 Wrestling

Thursday- Practice, 4:30-6:30, locker clean out and uniform turn in for JV wrestlers who are departing for a Spring sport.  All others encouraged to stick around and help the varsity get ready for States.  

Friday- Practice, 4:30-6:30 

Saturday- District Tournament at Freedom (South Riding), 25450 Riding Center Drive, Chantilly, VA 20152

6:30 Showtime

7:00 Bus departs 

8:00am - Weigh-ins/skin checks

9:30am - First round 

10:45am* - Championship Semi-Finals // Consolation Quarterfinals

1:45pm* – Consolation semis 

1:15pm* – Consolation finals 

5pm* – Finals 

Opportunity to work out with some of elite coaches and athletes @ Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, VA.

Date: April 29, 2023

Registration link: https://usmcsports.com/register/

To recap, a couple of great varsity duals against FSR and John Champe.  Freedom came down to the wire and it took a win from Alaric to give us the 38-36 win and for the team to stay undefeated against district opponents.  We will close out our district regular season this next week and get the JV back into action in a JV Jam hosted by Gainesville HS.   Plan for the week (it is a long one): 

Monday- Practice, 4:30-6:30

Tuesday- Practice, 4:30-6:30

Wednesday- Double Dual against Gainesville and Battlefield. 

3:00- Showtime for weight check

4:00- Bus departs

5:00- Weigh in 

6:00- Wrestling, anticipated round 1 vs Gainesville HS, round 2 vs Battlefield HS 

Host is Battlefield HS (15000 Graduation Dr., Haymarket, VA 20169)

Tickets @ https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/d1cf274a-0791-45ad-aee8-7095cea6e0d2/events/69dfc64e-6290-48de-af0b-2cfd2adec084

Thursday- JV Jam @ Gainesville HS (13150 University Blvd, Gainesville, VA 20155)

3:30- Showtime for Weight Check

4:30- Bus departs

5:00- Weigh In

6:00-9:00- Wrestling 

Tickets @ https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/8695ad96-b2a0-4f9f-bfe8-f9898300775d/events/6d1fe367-f564-46eb-9bfc-b614492d5fb0

Friday- Practice, 4:30-6:30

Saturday- Varsity Tournament at Orange HS (Coach Kayajanian Memorial Tournament) 

5:30- Showtime for weight check

6:00- Bus Departs

Tentative schedule: 

First Round-09:30-11:30

Quarterfinals & Cons Prelim-11:30-1:00

Cons Round 1- 1:00-2:00

Semis & Cons Round 2- 2:00-3:30

Cons Semis- 3:30-4:15

Placement Matches- 4:30-6:30

Host is Orange County HS (201 Selma Road, Orange VA 22960)

Tickets @ https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/2164f474-1061-4370-8fbd-994ffdd2382e/events

Check next week, the Jan 28 tournament hasn't posted yet to their ticketspicket page 

Reminder, for JV wrestlers, Brentsville District has added a JV Jam for Feb 1.  If you are not planning to wrestle after the Gainesville JV Jam this week, see me.  Our expectation is that all JV wrestlers will finish their season, unless injured, ill or if there are academic circumstances.  Failure to compete this Thursday otherwise will result in no recognition/certificate during the team post season honors dinner.  

For our younger wrestlers looking at their off-season calendar: 

Registration is NOW OPEN for VAWA Folkstyle States. The event will take place on Saturday February 25 and Sunday February 26. Registration limits per division:

Maximum Wrestlers for 2015-16 = 160 (8U)

Maximum Wrestlers for 2013-14 = 200 (10U)

Maximum Wrestlers for 2011-12 = 250 (12U)

Maximum Wrestlers for 2009-10 = 300 (14U)

Maximum Wrestlers for 2007-08 = 175  (16U)

Maximum Wrestlers for Girls 6U = 50

Maximum Wrestlers for Girls 9U = 60

Maximum Wrestlers for Girls 12U = 65

Maximum Wrestlers for Girls 15U = 65

Register early and save. Registration fee is $40 until February 20 at noon, at that point registration fee will increase to $50 until Thursday, February 23 at 9pm when registration closes. Regsiter at the link below:

https://www.trackwrestling.com/registration/TW_Register.jsp?tournamentGroupId=214276132

Athletes who register prior to Monday, February 20 at noon will be considering for separation criteria.

You can find all the information for the event at the link below:

https://www.virginiawrestling.com/page/show/4781616-kids-and-girls-folkstyle-states

First off, great performance by the team at both districts and regionals.  Congratulations to our Seniors, Tyson, Shaun and Hunter, who will be continuing their high school wrestling careers with a trip to VA Beach for the State Tournament.  All of our regional qualifiers wrestled tough yesterday at Woodbridge and could have easily been all 7 heading to the beach, but, two time State qualifier Dominic Hildreth will be the only other Pioneer wrestler to join his teammates on the trip to fight for a spot on the podium.  Plan for the week: 

Monday-Wednesday: Practice @ Brentsville District HS, 2:45-4:00.  We owe a big thanks to BD for hosting us last week.  It was really valuable to be in a full room and this week we will join Brentsville after they finished 3d in their region and are sending 7 wrestlers to the State tournament, as well as, the qualifiers from Fauquier HS. 

Thursday: State qualifiers meet after 4th period at the Boat and we will head to VA Beach to check in at our hotel, Residence Inn (221 Bendix Rd, Virginia Beach), check weight at the venue, Virginia Beach Sports Center (1045 19th Street).  

Friday: Matches through Championship and Consolation Quarterfinals. 

8:00 WEIGH-IN FOR ALL WEIGHTS (Scratch +2)
10:00 – 1:00 FIRST ROUND 
1:00 – 4:00 QUARTERFINALS AND FIRST ROUND CONSO 

**We will have an approximate 1-hour break in here**

5:00 – 6:30 SECOND ROUND CONSO (14 matches/mat)
7:00 – 8:00 QUARTER-FINAL CONSO (7 matches/mat)

Saturday: Semifinals, Placement matches (3/4, 5/6) and Finals.

8:00 WEIGH-IN FOR ALL WEIGHTS (Scratch +3) (we will check out before departing for the venue) 
10:00 – 11:30 SEMI-FINALS
12:00 – 1:30 SEMI-FINALS CONSOLATIONS
1:30 – 3:30 CONSO FINALS (3RD/4TH, 5TH/6TH)
3:30 – 4:30 SET UP FOR THE FINALS
5:00 – 8:00 CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS AND AWARDS (Top 6 at each weight class are on the podium) 

Online tickets are available tomorrow, Feb 13, at the following link: 

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/8987429/2023-vhsl-wrestling-classes-45and-6-virginia-beach-virginia-beach-sports-center

Stay tuned for an announcement on our post season awards dinner.  Should be within the first couple of weeks of March, waiting on approval for the date and location.  

Wednesday night @ Brentsville will be online tickets only, no cash: 

https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/9b12d2b6-5a82-4e28-8571-8dc17665f32d/events/f1a3e07c-fcca-4531-b5a9-059cdb8eac9c

From the Virginia Wrestling Association webpage:

https://www.virginiawrestling.com/page/show/980380-tournament-list

List of local camps, clinics and opportunities to compete to include the VAWA Folkstyle States, Super States and the Freestyle and Greco States.  

If you sign up for club wrestling, FCA, Virginia Patriots, Birds of Prey, NOVA or Legends, they are tracking and provide coaching at these tournaments in addition to their weekly training sessions.  Great opportunity to continue to grow/develop as a wrestler. 

Legends Wrestling Club in Vienna is hosting some fantastic training opportunities with some of our best, national level wrestlers, specifically: 

2 Day Camp with Zain Rutherford (3x National Champ with Penn State) on April 1 and 2. (Flyer attached)

Registration is open now @ www.legendwrestling.org

Our season culminated a little early at States this weekend than our wrestlers wanted, with Tyson and Dom finishing just short of the medal round, but, all four (Tyson, Shaun, Hunter and Dominic) should be extremely proud of their efforts to finish as 1 of the top 16 wrestlers in their weight class and to be able to compete at the end of the year.  

Some housekeeping matters: 

1.  VAWA Folkstyle States. This next weekend, for any of our younger (16U) wrestlers, VAWA is hosting an open, state tournament down in Doswell, VA.  Many of the states' top clubs will be there.  If you haven't registered already and would like to, here is the link: 

https://www.virginiawrestling.com/page/show/4781616-kids-and-girls-folkstyle-states

Registration closes on Feb 23.  

2. Team Awards Dinner. Save the date for March 15, at 7:00PM in Commons 1.  More specifics to follow. 

If you haven't cleared your locker and turned in uniforms, this will be a last shot at it.  Need all uniforms returned to complete and submit inventory to our AD.  If you have additional items, particularly our seniors, that you would like to donate, shoes, headgear, etc. by all means we will take them and use them as loaners for new wrestlers in the program when they try out.  

3. Off Season program. The key to regular season success is the sweat/work done during the off season.  Recommend to start looking in to local wrestling clubs like FCA (at Gainesville), the Virginia Patriots (at Brentsville), Birds of Prey (at Fauquier), or even NOVA wrestling (in Fairfax) to get some quality mat time and high level instruction.  

I will look to publish an off season conditioning and open mat schedule after we return from Spring Break and will do my best to deconflict with existing wrestling club dates and times.  

4. Camps. I am targeting George Mason University for the team's summer camp.  They haven't published dates yet, once they do I will let you know.  The camp should offer a valid commuter option to Patriot wrestlers so we can maximize our numbers and have an opportunity to train with one of our alums, Donovan Sprouse, GMU heavyweight wrestler.  

If time/dates don't work, there are several good options for other camps at VA Tech, UVA, Navy, Granby Wrestling camp (at Hamden Sydney College), VMI, etc.  

5. Fundraising. Please get out there and move some mulch for Mulch Madness.  Individual orders are due by March 6 and we will need all hands on deck for delivery on March 18.  Full details on the team's FB page.  

Just a couple of things to communicate on the awards dinner next week: 

1. RSVPs and payment are due tomorrow, Saturday, March 11.  

2. If you haven't returned your singlet, please bring it on Wednesday night so I can complete our end of season inventory and submit it to the athletics office.  If you cannot attend, you can send it along with a teammate who is attending in a labeled, plastic bag.  I will send out a list of those who still have uniforms out this weekend. 

3. If you have other uniform items like shoes or headgear that you are going to move on from, feel free to bring those and donate to the program.  Always good to have on hand for new wrestlers coming in.  

And unrelated to the dinner, next Saturday, March 18, is Mulch Madness delivery day.  Need any and all to come out and help deliver orders.  Your hours contributed to the effort = money back in to the wrestling program.  

Getting a jump on this as we head into districts tomorrow at Freedom.  For next week: 

Monday-Friday, practice 4:30-6:30.  This plan may be modified as we consolidate with other teams to get the max number of wrestlers in the room. 

JV wrestlers can/should attend if they are not in a Spring sport, good opportunity for mat time if you are going to participate in VAWA Folkstyle States at the end of Feb or MAWA tournament in March.  If they are moving on, please clear your locker and turn in your singlet and lock ASAP.

Regional Tournament at Woodbridge Senior HS (3001 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 221920

7:00 Showtime/weight check

7:30 Bus departs

8:00 Scales open

9:00 Weigh in by weight class (scratch+2)

10:00 AM Championship Quarterfinals (3 mats)

12:00 PM Championship Semis and Consolation Quarters (3 mats)

2:30 PM Consolation Semifinals (3 mats)

3:30 PM Placement Round- 3rd/4th & 5th/6th (3 mats)

4:45 PM Parade of Champions 

5:00 PM Championship Finals (1 mat)

For Wednesday: 

3:00 Showtime for weight check

4:00 Bus departs

5:00 Weigh In 

6:00 Wrestling begins 

Anticipated Match Ups: 

Round 1: Patriot vs John Champe

Round 2: Patriot vs Freedom 

Hope all are enjoying their holiday weekend and some pleasant weather in the forecast tomorrow.  Only one major event on the calendar for next week:

Monday- No Practice

Tuesday- Practice from 4:30-6:30

Wednesday- Varsity Double Dual @ John Champe (vs. John Champe and Freedom (South Riding))

John Champe HS address: 41535 Sacred Mountain St, Aldie, VA 20105

Tickets: $7.00, https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/33f006ee-50d7-4157-92ec-121e17aefa46/events/e304d08c-be86-4060-bee7-ab75e988ff6b

Thursday and Friday- Practice from 4:30-6:30, Weight Room on Friday 6:30-7:30 

For JV wrestlers, no competition this week, however, Brentsville has added a JV Jam on Feb 1.  Good chance to get a last competition in  for the season and help the varsity in the room that week as they ramp up for the district tournament.  

We will host our first and only JV Jamboree for this season on Monday with clubs from John Champe, Brentsville, Gar-Field, Potomac Senior and Unity Reed.  

Showtime for all wrestlers is 4:00 PM for set up and weight check.  Varsity will run the tables and provide general support to the JV.  Full timeline: 

4:00 Showtime

5:00 Weigh In

6:00-9:00 Wrestling

Tuesday practice 4:30-6:30

Wednesday to Osbourn HS (1977 Eagle Way, Manassas, VA 20110) for a JV and Varsity dual meet, timeline: 

3:15 Showtime and weight check

4:15 Bus departs

5:00 Weigh Ins

6:00 JV wrestling

@7:00 Varsity wrestling 

Thursday and Friday practice 4:30-6:30, No practice the next Monday, Jan 16 during the holiday  

To all of our families, thanks for your support to the program this season and in particular, all the work that went in to sending off our seniors in their last home meet.  

Great work by our JV and Varsity wrestlers at what had to be the dual meet of the season.  Congrats to Osbourn's seniors on their night, they wrestled tough and it took all 14 matches to determine the winner.  The present and future is bright for Pioneer Wrestling. 

Spoke to the team at practice and we will not practice tomorrow, Jan 12, or Jan 16 (MLK Holiday).  There is a cold/bug running through the room and a 72 hour stand down should help us kick it.  

Full plan for next week will come out tomorrow.  

Hope all are enjoying the Christmas holiday with your families.  Timeline for the week: 

Monday, 11:10-2:00, Practice

Tuesday, 11:10-2:00, Practice

Wednesday, Battle at the Bridge Day 1:

5:30 Showtime for weight check

6:30 Bus departs for Woodbridge

8:00 Weigh In

10:00 Wrestling begins

Thursday, Battle of the Bridge Day 2: 

5:30 Showtime for weight check

6:30 Bus departs

8:00 Weigh In

9:00 Wrestling begins 

Friday, No Practice

Battle at the Bridge is hosted by Woodbridge HS (3001 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192)

Tickets are $10 a day, or $15 for a two day pass: 

https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/08872f00-b7e5-4207-a89b-4021bf8c7329

First, thanks to all who came out to support the team at Battle at the Bridge.  Some really great competition and great wrestling.  Most of all, gave our team exposure to what the environment will be like when they return to Woodbridge to compete in the regional tournament at the end of the season.  

Busy week coming up: 

Monday, Jan 2, Practice from 10:00-12:00 (bring running shoes, we may get outside for some conditioning work) 

Tuesday, Jan 3, Practice from 4:30-6:30

Wednesday, Jan 4, Practice  4:30-6:30 

Thursday, Jan 5, Varsity and JV dual against Osbourn Park.  In addition, we will honor our seniors for all of their contributions to the program.  I will get an idea from OP's coach on how many JV wrestlers they have and will look to do a full JV dual, break, transition to Senior Night honors and Varsity dual.  All of our seniors will be in the lineup and wrestle.  Tentative timeline: 

4:00 Showtime for set-up, weight check

5:00 Weigh In

6:00 JV Dual 

7:00 Varsity Dual ICW Senior Night 

Friday, Jan 6, Practice 4:30-6:30

Saturday, Jan 7, Falcon Duals @ Fauquier HS (705 Waterloo Drive Warrenton, VA 20186).  Dual tournament against Fauquier, Liberty, Gar-Field, Heritage HS.  We will bring some extras from JV to get exhibition matches.  

6:00 Showtime for Weight Check 

6:45 Bus departs

8:00 Weigh In

9:30 Wrestling begins

Admission is $6, cashless ticketing through GoFans: https://gofan.co/app/school/VA24900

We turn around next Monday and host a JV Jamboree, specifics will go out in the plan for that week.  

Last, during away meets, if it is your intention to drive your student athlete home, please contact Mr. Qualls at least 24 hours ahead of the competition, or you request may not be approved.  And, students can only travel home with a parent if they do not ride the bus.  

Happy New Year!! 2023 is going to be big for your Pioneer Wrestlers.  

Great work by our wrestlers at King of the Rock. Please enjoy a long weekend for this Christmas holiday and see you on Monday to get ready for Battle at the Bridge.

Monday and Tuesday practice starts at 11:10-2:00.  

Limited extras available for this week's tournament at Rock Ridge.  The only wrestler we were able to get in aside for the varsity lineup is Will Tantau, wrestling at 285.  For all others, will try again next week with the Battle at the Bridge.  

Day one of King of the Rock is Dec 20, not Dec 21.  Timeline for the tournament remains the same, slipped one day forward: 

6:00 Showtime

7:00 Transportation

7:30 Weigh IN

10:00 Wrestling

No practice tomorrow or Wednesday.  If there is anyone with concerns making weight, I will be at the school at 5:30 if you need to get a little work in. 

A few changes to communicate and details on the tournament for this week: 

Monday and Tuesday: Practice from 11:10-2:00

Wednesday and Thursday: King of the Rock Tournament (same timeline each day) 

Rock Ridge High School, 43460 Loudoun Reserve Dr, Ashburn, VA 20148

6:00 Showtime for weight check

7:00 Bus departs

7:30 Weigh in 

10:00 Wrestling begins

Admission is $10, tickets at https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/7372e86a-f50e-4392-8e16-c087c7207a04

No practice Friday and no weight room after Monday practice.  

No practice due to Code Orange. Back at it tomorrow at 4:30.

Before getting to the plan for the week, recap of the weekend's performance.  JV wrestlers continue to crush it, with their second jamboree at Colgan this past Friday.  Our Varsity traveled out west to Sherando and won 4 of their 7 dual meets against some high-level competition, placing 6th out of 16 teams.  A really gritty performance over a long weekend of competition.  We will recock this week with a couple events before going into the holiday break: 

Monday- practice 4:30-6:30

Tuesday- JV Jam at Freedom (South Riding)- 25450 Riding Center Drive, South Riding, VA 20152

(No varsity practice) 

Tickets: https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/d6c3634f-5f69-4b0e-9d82-29aae6e146cb

3:00- Showtime for weight check

4:00- Bus departs

5:00- Weigh in

6:00-9:00- Wrestling

Wednesday- Varsity/JV Dual @Unity Reed- 8820 Rixlew Ln, Manassas, VA 20109

Tickets: https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/a64371e9-0da4-4609-9270-63d5e4ec024f/events/e2640187-e3b7-4d3d-a36a-49c5be445aaa

3:30- Showtime for weight check

4:30- Bus departs

5:00- Weigh In

6:00- Wrestling

To set expectations, Unity Reed has a small roster and may not be able to put out a JV squad.  I will try to let you know ahead of time if JV wrestlers will travel.  

First, by now, you should be tracking that there were a couple incidents at the school this week involving the team.  All these events have been thoroughly investigated and consequences for some of our athletes have been determined and implemented.  Mr. Qualls (Director of Student Activities) addressed the team prior to practice last night and Coach Fisher and I had a separate opportunity to speak with the captains.  This matter is now behind us and we will be stronger for the opportunity that it presents to learn, grow and develop.  We all decided that it was time to get back to business starting with last night's practice and open lift.  So in that regard: 

Varsity to Sherando: 

10:15 Students will report to Door 1 (Early release note will go to the attendance office and staff this afternoon)

11:30 Arrive at Sherando HS, 185 S Warrior Dr, Stephens City, VA 22655, Enter through Door 10

Admission is $5, tickets: https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/d72b5c15-45e4-4624-b439-53965a214eba

11:45 Weigh In 

1:00 Wrestling Starts (last round by 7:15) 

JV to Colgan

3:30 Showtime at school for weight check

4:30 Bus departs to Colgan

5:00 Weigh In

6:00-9:00 Wrestling 

Tickets: https://tickets.colganhs.com/

Varsity is back to Sherando on Saturday:

5:00 Showtime to Aux Gym for weight check (+1 pound)

6:00 Bus departs

7:30 Weigh In

9:00 Wrestling begins 

No practice tonight, bsck on at regular time on Wednesday, following by open lift. 

Great start to the season for both Varsity and JV this week.  Busy week ahead:

Monday, Dec 5: Home opener, tri-varsity meet against Colonial Forge and Riverside.  Tickets available through ticketspicket, QR code to buy at the door (no cash).

Timeline:

4:00 Wrestlers report to check weight and set up

5:00 Weigh in

6:00 Wrestling starts (will push out the match ups once approved, but anticipate we will have the first and last duals of the 3)

Tues-Thurs will be regular practice times 4:30-6:30 (open lift Weds 6:30-7:30)

Friday: 

Varsity to Sherando.

Early release @1015

Weigh ins at 1145

Wrestling starts at 1:00

(Will need some parents to volunteer to drive, more details to follow early next week)

JV to Colgan HS. 

Showtime at school 3:30 for weight check

Bus departs at 4:30

Weigh ins at 5:00

Wrestling at 6:00 and should be done by 9:00 

Saturday, Dec 10:

Varsity to Sherando for day 2 of Sherando Duals

Showtime at school 5:00 for weight check

Bus departs at 6:00

Weigh ins at 7:30

Wrestling starts at 9:00 

Updated Timeline for Wednesday: 

2:30- Select individuals report to room 1311 for IMPAC testing (concussion baseline): Chhe, Davin, Chhe, David, Clayborne, Darpozy , Fowler, McGonigle, Parades, Prado, Slingwine, Supernaugh, Vasquez, Young, Liam, Flinn

3:00- All report to room 1403 for check in and weight check

4:00- Varsity bus to Liberty, JV bus to John Champe

Note: Liberty HS is still on GoFan.com and does take cash at the door. 

All else is the same for weigh in, wrestling, return. 

On Thursday, report to main gym at 3:00, change in to singlet that was issued at today's practice.  Stage at 3:20, take team and individual photos at 3:30.  Practice at 4:30.  

First competitions this week for both Varsity and JV.  We will be road warriors heading to Liberty HS and John Champe HS. 

Timeline: 

3:00 Showtime outside Aux Gym (check equip, weight check)

4:00 Load buses (both Varsity and JV)

5:00 Weigh ins

6:00 Wrestling begins (rough estimate is both should be complete around 9:00)

TBD return to Patriot HS and dismiss from Door 20

Varsity is heading to Liberty HS, 6300 Independence Avenue, Bealeton, VA 22712.

JV is heading to John Champe HS, 41535 Sacred Mountain St, Aldie, VA 20105

Anticipate it will be cashless for tickets, most schools in the local districts are now using ticketspicket.com and will have a QR code available.  

Make sure that your wrestler has his wrestling shoes, headgear, water bottle, and if they have braces, mouthpieces that cover both top and bottom.  

For families info, we will do team pictures on Dec 1.  No action required, just need to ensure that your wrestler brings the uniform they wore on Wednesday night back to school Thursday for the team and individual photos.  

A few items to communicate before the holiday break;

1. No practice Wednesday, enjoy the holiday but keep an eye on your weight control plan, get in a run or other cardio and recover. 

2. On Monday, when we return, we will have open lift sessions available in the weight room each Mon, Wed, Fri, 6:30-7:30 on non-competition days.  These are optional workouts for individuals who may need some additional conditioning or work to stay on their weight control plan.  

3. RUDIS team store closes up tonight, if you intend to order, time is running down. 

4. First competitions for both Varsity and JV when we return.  On the road to Liberty HS (Varsity) and John Champe (JV).  

This Saturday, Brentsville District HS will host a scrimmage for Chantilly, MIllbrook and us.  This will be our first opportunity to measure ourselves against outside opponents in an informal, practice like setting  After a good warmup, wrestlers will report to the mat when their weight class is announced and find an opponent from one of the other schools.  Wrestlers should expect to get anywhere b/w 3-4 matches.  

Wrestlers will report to the school at 7:00 for check in and equipment check.  We will depart the school around 7:45 and doors open for teams at 8:00.  Wrestling will start at 9:00 and run to 11:00.

Unlike last year, there are no constraints on fans attending and there is no cost to you to attend.  All wrestlers will travel back to the school around 11;00 and be dismissed from the aux gym.  

Parents of Patriot HS Wrestlers,

  Mr. Brad Qualls, Activities Director for Patriot HS, will host a Winter Sports Information meeting this Thursday, November 17, starting at 6:30 in the Auditorium (enter through Door 26 or 28).  

  Mr. Qualls will discuss elements that are common to all winter sports teams and athletes and then we will break out to different rooms for sport specific information, to include: 

- Varsity Letter criteria

- Expectations for meet attendance (both home and away)

- Fundraising/Boosters

Hope you can make it.  If you are not able to attend, I will publish a wrap up to the meeting on this page.  As always, any questions or concerns, contact me at edwardrj@pwcs.edu.

Coach Edwards 

We hosted our first intrasquad, dual meet yesterday, dubbed the "Red and Blue Classic" and Coach Fisher and I are very pleased by the level of competition, sportsmanship and teamwork.  The Blue Team was able to squeak out a victory 23-22.  More importantly, we have a good sense of what to focus our practice plans to get ready for our first dual against an outside opponent.  

I will have the initial Varsity and JV rosters posted to the team page by noon.  For all athletes, remember that these rosters are not static, you can challenge a varsity wrestler and wrestle off for their slot at any time, and with the long season, you could be called on at any time if the varsity wrestler gets nicked up with an injury or illness.  

I have also attached the extended practice schedule for the season.  Congrats to all making it through the first week, enjoy your holiday weekend and see you on Monday.  

Our Spirit Wear store is now live.

Link: 

https://stores.athletesmark.com/patriot_wrestling/shop/home

This is a place for both wrestlers and fans to order gear to wear on days of meets and at venues to show our Patriot Pioneer pride.  Plus, part of the proceeds of sales are returned to the club to go into our booster account.  

RUDIS Team Store now open. 

Link: 

https://teamgear.rudis.com/t/patriot-wrestling-team-store-fall-2022/?team_id=237128&set_team_auth=1

This is a place where wrestlers can purchase gear for the season.  In particular, the seniors were looking for a personalized singlet that they could wear at individual tournaments.  Purchasing a personalized singlet is not required, however, individuals that do can wear it at any individual tournament: Coach K at Orange HS, Districts, Regionals or States. 

RUDIS requires an order of 12 minimum per item for it to go into production and ship.  Further details at the link.

All: 

  Copy of the rules that we shared with the team before today's first practice.  An extension of the guidance and expectations from the interest meeting.  

Parents:

  Rule 11 is really #1 in our book.  If you wrestler has trouble with academics during the season, let us know.

Coach Edwards and Coach Fisher 

The first official practice for the season is next Monday, Nov 7.  We will practice every night next week from 4:30-6:30 in the aux gym.  Intent for the week is to set the varsity line up for our first dual meet at the end of November and get a good sense of the level of experience and talent of our athletes.  

The following individuals have been cleared to attend practice next week by the Athletic Director:

Chhe, Holmes, Mao, Prado, Rhee, Miner, K, Miner, R., Swanson, Supernaugh, Tantau, Tran, Williamson, Young, C., Young, L. 

The following individuals' eligibility forms were returned to me for missing concussion training: 

Kochis, Levine, Crouch, Vazquez

If you can print, sign and scan a copy to my email: edwardrj@pwcs.edu, I will get it turned it and get you cleared.  If not, put it in an envelope with my name on it and leave it with the front office (shoot me a note to let me know it is there), I will pick it up when I make my next run to pick up forms on Friday.  

For anyone else, if you have turned in a form, Mr. Qualls is still processing it (he was in the office working on all winter sports when I left from our off-season workout tonight).  If you haven't turned one in, fill it out and turn it in.   Without the form, you will not be able to practice on Monday.  

For those unable to attend in September, we will host an interest meeting in the aux gym following our last off-season workout.  Details: 

Wrestling Interest Meeting

Oct 26, 2022, 6:45-7:30

Auxiliary Gym

Park in the back of the school and enter via door 19 or 20 (by the weight room) 

Any questions, edwardrj@pwcs.edu.  

Guidance and Expectations document attached. 

Reminder, no workout this Monday, Oct 10 due to the holiday.  

On Wednesday, would like to meet briefly after the wrestling workout with the senior class wrestlers that can make it to do some condition setting for the upcoming season.  Won't take more than 15-20 minutes.  

Reminder, no off-season workout on Wednesday due to school being out.  Only workout this week is this Monday, starting 4:45 in the weight room.  

If you have them filled out, bring your eligibility forms (white/yellow form) in so I can bundle and turn in to the athletics' office. 

Parents and Wrestlers, 

  At last night's off-season workout, I handed out the eligibility forms that each wrestler will complete and submit to allow the athletics' office to check your academic eligibility and completion of a current year physical and concussion training.  It is a two-piece form, top copy is white, bottom yellow.  Wrestlers need to fill out the top half of the form with their demographic data, the athletic department completes the bottom.  

  Once complete, turn the card in to me at the next off-season practice.  For those that can't make the workouts, you can get the form from the front office and turn it back in there or to Mr. Qualls.  

  The completed form and the blue emergency contact cards are your entry passes for the official start of practice on Nov 7.  No forms, no practice.  

  Thanks, 

Coach Edwards 

For rising juniors and seniors, opportunity to interact and get on the radar of college coaches if you intend to wrestle at the next level.  

What: College Prospect Combine

When: Oct 9, 2022, Female wrestlers 7:00-10:00, Male wrestlers 9:00-12:00 

Where: St Frances Academy, 501 E Chase St, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Coach Doug McCLain)

Why: Learn the recruiting process and get on the radar of 20+ college wrestling coaches (NAIA, D2, D3)

Cost: $40 per wrestler, group discounts available

More details, see the attached flier.  Whether or not you already have a recruiting plan, good chance to bounce it off current coaches to see what they are looking for in their programs and how to get there. 

No workout on Monday due to the holiday.  See you all on Wednesday.

Reminder: Workout today at 4:45 in weight room, 5:40 in Auxilliary Gym

Update: Wednesday, Sept 14 workout will be weight room ONLY

Thanks to all who could attend and recap of key points for those that could not: 

1. Off-season workouts. We will start on Monday at 4:45 in the weight room and transition in to the aux gym for mat workout at 5:40.  You must submit your physical and concussion training to the athletics office in order to participate.  If you bring it to the workout, I can assist in getting it turned in.   

2. Guidance and Expectation document attached.  Outlines key requirements, to include academic eligibility, to get ready for the first official practice on November 7. 

3. If you couldn't make the meeting, send me a note to edwardrj@pwcs.edu with your wrestler's basic info: name, high school year, approx. weight.  

Any questions/concerns, reach out at the above email.  Thanks.  

Off-season workouts will start up on September 12 and run Monday and Wednesday every week:

4:45-5:30 Weight room

5:40-6:40 Auxiliary gym

NO WORKOUTS on Sept 26, Oct 5, 10, 31 due to no school days. 

Off-season workouts are not mandatory, but encouraged, if you don't participate in a Fall sport.  

If you do plan to attend, you must have a current VHSL physical and concussion training turned in to the athletics office.  Or, bring it to your first workout and I will get it turned in to the trainer. 

As a kick-off for our off-season program, we will host an interest meeting open to current and future Patriot Pioneer Wrestlers and their families on September 8 at 6:15PM in Commons 2. 

Students and/or parents can park in the Junior lot by the stadium and enter through door 28.  

Agenda: 

1. Expectations. Will hand out a revised guidance and philosophy document.

2. Communications. Intro to our team webpage and family Facebook page, social media expectations. 

3. Program Fundraising. 

4. Off Season workout calendar. 

Attached interest form for you to fill out before or at the meeting with basic demographic information to include your experience and anticipated weight class.  If you haven't wrestled before, no problem, this is a great time to start.  

We are still on for weight room/conditioning work starting on July 11 and 13 from 3:00-4:00. Starting on July 13, we will have wrestling workouts in the aux gym from 1:30-3:00 every Monday and Wednesday with the exception of Aug 1 and 3 (VHSL dead period). A valid physical and concussion training are required to attend.

Just a quick reminder as we head into the holiday weekend, sports physicals for the 21-22 season expired on June 30, 2022.  In order to tryout or participate in workouts for this upcoming season, your physical must be signed off by your physician no earlier than May 1, 2022 and turned in to the activities office along with your concussion training.  

Link to forms/training: https://patriotpioneers.org/main/filesLinks/  

We will start up offseason workouts again in the weight room on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00, beginning on July 11.  

One of the last, big tournaments of the offseason: Fairfax HS will host, Saturday, Sept 23. Full details and registration at: https://vasuper32.com/product/registration-2023/?mc_cid=cfce4f42cc&mc_eid=83e8a73354

If other camp dates aren't working for you, here is another local, low cost training opportunity hosted by FSR.

Dates- June 26 – June 30

Location- Ranger Wrestling Club (960 Sycolin Rd Suite 125, Leesburg, VA 20175)

Times- 8am-12pm (K-6), 12pm- 4:30pm (7-12)

Cost- $150

Format- The wrestlers will have multiple training sessions per day (with games mixed in) to focus on skill sets from all positions (Top, Bottom, Neutral).  We will also work on specialty skill sets (leg riding, tilts, scrambling, throws). Perfect for any level of wrestler from beginner to very experienced. 

Enrollment-

Two Great Camps/One Low Price ($150)

Eagles Wrestling Camp (K-6) 8am-12pm - This camp, conducted by Freedom's Coaching staff, is for grades k-through 7.  The focus of this camp is to concentrate on the fundamentals of wrestling from the top, bottom and neutral positions.  Athletes will be taught a variety of techniques designed to help them become a championship wrestler.  Athletes will also wrestle live, participate in wrestling games, and have guest speakers designed to help them better learn and appreciate the sport of wrestling. Register HERE

Eagles Alumni Camp (7-12) 12pm - 4:30pm - This Camp, conducted by Freedom Alumni/Coaching Staff and is for grades 7-rising 12th graders.  The focus of the camp is to create championship level wrestlers.  The camp will focus mostly on new techniques from the top, bottom and neutral position.  Athletes will also wrestle live, participate in wrestling games, and have guest speakers designed to help them better learn and appreciate the sport of wrestling.  All levels of experience including beginners are welcome to attend, given that the boys will be divided into different learning groups. Register HERE

Registration address if the hyperlink does not work: 

https://www.leagueathletics.com/Registration/Restrictions.asp?RegID=328118&n=&org=rangerwrestlingclub.com

We are off next Monday due to the graduation.  Best of luck to all of the Patriot graduates, but in particular, our Senior wrestlers: Luca, Shaun, Hunter, Tyson, and Max. 

All:

  From Coach Keel, head coach at St John's College High School in DC: 

https://mailchi.mp/keelcamps/take-a-look-at-these-wrestling-camps

For rising juniors, if you are interested in wrestling at the next level, recommend looking at the College Coach Clinic.  

To all of our Patriot wrestlers competing tomorrow night, best of luck and will see you out at GMU.  Weigh ins close at 8:00PM tonight (Friday) and doors should open tomorrow for the clinic/warm-up at 4:30.

This past Wednesday's practice was the last for this phase of off-season.  Next major activity will be the team camp, also at GMU from July 5-8.  

Next phase of off-season, pending coordination with the athletics office, will be between Aug 14-31.  Time to start leaning in and getting your physicals updated for this school year, in the interim.  

Looking to host a kick-off/interest meeting to get returning wrestlers and new wrestlers in to review the season's timeline and knock out standard admin requirements, like the blue emergency card.  Tentative date b/w Aug 9-11.    

Once I lock dates and times in with Mr. Qualls, will publish a more detailed calendar.  

Enjoy the holiday weekend.  

I have some folks coming out to do some work on the house and won't be able to make it out on Wednesday. Next workout will be Monday, May 15, less than a week out from Freestyle and Greco States.  

17th Annual World Famous Takedown Tournament At WESTFIELD High School

When : April 22nd, 2023 (Saturday) Who : All Youth and High School Wrestlers

Where : Westfield High School - 4700 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly VA 20151

What : Just Takedowns! This is a way to improve on your feet. Tell all your friends….anyone can participate! Great Recruiting Tool!! Start Time : 10 AM for Bantam, Midget, Junior, Intermediate, Senior (youth) 2 PM for All High School Wrestlers

Cost : $30 (We will work to get at least 4 matches per wrestler) Includes a “Westfield Takedown Tournament” T-Shirt for all wrestlers

If you intend to wrestle at one of the service academies, opportunity to get exposure to their coaching staff(s), philosophy and training techniques.  

Westfield will host its annual takedown tournament on April 22.  Flyer and registration attached.  

Save the date.  This is a fun one, hosted at the GMU Field House supporting a fantastic cause, the Eric Monday Foundation.  Format is folkstyle wrestling, will post up the registration link when it is live.  

First up, reminder that showtime for mulch delivery at the school is tomorrow morning by 7:00 AM.  The more hands we have on deck, faster it will go and the more return to the program for the volunteer hours.  Thanks to all who sold bags this season, we will also receive a pretty good cut of that action. 

Thanks to all who were able to attend the awards dinner Wednesday, definitely a first class event put together by Meg and our families.  

Last, biggest question of the night was when will we resume open mat/weight room workouts.  Looking to start up again after Spring Break when all are tanned, relaxed and rested.  That will give us a few weeks to tune up for Freestyle and Greco States down in Fredericksburg in May, unless you are already working out with one of the local clubs.  

Still waiting to hear back from GMU on when their Summer camps will be scheduled.  If you don't want to wait, plenty of great camp opportunities at the Naval Academy, U of Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech, the Granby Camp at Hamden-Sydney College.  

No practice due to Code Orange. Back at it tomorrow at 4:30.