The 2014/2015 Fenwick High School wrestling season is all about new beginnings under first year head coach Anthony Poro, who has said that his goal is to develop a wrestling program, not just a team.
One of Poro's goals has been to increase the number of wrestlers in the program. "The coaching staff has done a great job of going out and getting guys into the room," said Poro. "We've been at gym classes, football practices, soccer games, and in the classrooms talking about our sport and why it is the best sport for young men to be in."
The program has also been widened to go far beyond the IHSA season. "We've completely revamped our off-season program. Our guys have committed to weight-training as well as off season wrestling. We are doing the international styles in the Spring, participating in leagues in the Summer, and working to improve in any way we can," Poro says.
Perhaps the biggest change to the Fenwick Wrestling program under Poro is the addition of a youth team for ages 5-14. The "Friar Wrestling Club" practices three days a week, right after the high school team is finished. In the club's first year of operation, there are twenty kids signed up from kindergarten to eighth grade from all over the area. "It's great to see so many young kids in the room and wearing the shield. The club will do a lot to grow the sport at Fenwick and within the community," Poro said. "We're a developmental club, and we've sent guys to everything from rookie events to the finals of elite tournaments. We're just looking to get the best out of each of our guys, regardless of their experience."
With high school practice in the mornings and after school followed by youth practice at night, Poro can be found in the wrestling room working to improve his program at almost any time. One youth parent commented, "The boys are really lucky to have someone so willing to help them improve. It feels special knowing the coaches care about the first year five year old just as much as the high school Seniors."
Next up for the high school team is the Chicago Catholic League Conference Tournament, Saturday at DePaul Prep. The youth team will be competing this Sunday at the Collins Memorial Tournament at OPRF High School.
Contact any of the coaches at friarwrestlingclub@gmail.com
Follow the teams on Twitter: @FriarWrestling or @FriarWC
Like the teams on Facebook
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