W.A.Y.W.A. 2002-2003

Welcome to West Allegheny Youth Wrestling Association. We just wanted to inform everyone of our goals and intentions for this coming season.

My name is David Gazella, and along with the help of Jeff Usenicnik and Ed Ervin we will be running the Association this year. This is our first time at running the program so we will be open to any help, comments, or suggestions.

This program is starting from scratch, so we will try to raise money by having some matches, tournaments, and fundraisers. Remember all money raised goes to the program and the kids. The coaches and myself do not receive any money. We would like to try and suit them with nice warm-ups and tee shirts. This as everyone knows costs money, of which we don’t have as of yet. The $60 signup fee will definitely help contribute to the costs, but we will likely have to have a couple of fundraisers also.

As everyone knows to have a successful program you need commitment from the parents and kids. We ask that everyone try to help out the program wherever they can. By helping in fundraisers, working the concession stands at matches or tournaments, donating or baking for tournaments, and anything else that will benefit the program. With everyone’s support we are hoping to build a strong program that we continue to grow year after year.

Now let’s talk wrestling!

W.A.Y.W.A. is part of the Western Area Wrestling Association. The WAWA is made up of local area schools. These schools get together and schedule matches for the wrestlers to participate in. These matches are a good way for the wrestlers to gain confidence and experience. The coaches try to match kids by their current talent level. (So someone with 1 years experience isn’t wrestling someone with 5 years experience). At the end of the wrestling season a WAWA tournament is scheduled. In order to wrestle in this tournament each wrestler much wrestle in at least 4 matches during the current season. Last year we did not participate very well in this organization. They have asked us to start committing to these matches in order to keep our good standing in the Association. We are asking everyone to please commit to the matches so we can represent W.A.Y.W.A. as a team, and show the WAWA we are committed to the organization. More information will be provided as the season begins. The coaches are working on the schedules for these matches.

Other ways to gain experience is by entering tournaments. These tournaments can be found all over the area on any given weekend. These tournaments are good for kids who have some experience. We will enter 2 tournaments as a team this year. You may choose to attend tournaments on your own if you like, but our coaches will only be committed to the two tournaments we choose. If our coaches happen to be at a tournament that you attend we will be more than happy to coach you during your match. More information will be provided as the season begins.

Practices will be held at the High School for kids with 3 or more years experience from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Practices for 1 year experience and under will be at the Middle School from 6:00-7:30 p.m Tuesday and Thursday.

We ask everyone to try to be on time for the practices, we want everyone on the mat and ready at the scheduled times.

Please remember why we are here. It is for the kids. We want them to have fun. We also want to try to teach them some responsibilities, teamwork, and self-respect. Wrestling is a very tough sport and helps build one’s character. We encourage all parents to help support the children during this long season, and keep giving them the confidence and enthusiasm needed to accomplish a successful season. We would like for everyone to have a great season of fun, enjoy wrestling, and hopefully meet new friends.

We want to thank everyone in advance for his or her support. Good Luck and let’s start wrestling!