Wrestling

Little Panthers (Pre-K & K)

1 Practice Per Week 

USC High School Mat Room

Led by Varsity Head Coach Chris Tarr, this extremely popular program combines gymnastics, physical games, bodyweight exercises, and some wrestling technique basics.

With a focus on FUN, age-appropriate exercises and intro to wrestling fundamentals, this program is a huge hit with kids and parents alike!

Little Panthers is a 6 week program, offered in 2 sessions.  

- Early Winter begins early -November and ends at Winter / Holiday Break. 

- Winter begins in January and ends mid-February.

1st and 2nd Grade

2 Practices per Week

Fort Couch MS

Whether graduating from our Little Panthers program or trying wrestling for the first time, our 1st and 2nd Grade program focuses on instilling the basics techniques of wrestling, body control, and physical fitness.

Participants will have the opportunity to compete against both their USC peers as well as outside schools in age-appropriate competitions.

3rd – 6th Grade

2 Practices per Week

Fort Couch MS

The oldest cohort in our program seeks to build upon the fundamentals learned early on, advancing both our techniques and conditions to support their wrestling journey. This program is also open to new athletes interested in trying Wrestling.

Athletes compete in the South Hills Youth Wrestling League (SHYWL), as well as other local competitions. 

Wrestlers in the Open class should be striving to participation in one or both of the State tournaments, where we've had significantly increased participation and success in recent years.

Dual Team (K-6, Co-ed)

We are formally creating a Dual Team from the start of the season to participate in select Dual Meets throughout the season. Spots on this team will be determined by periodic wrestle-offs throughout the season. Details on this will be shared early in the season. 

What are these State Qualifiers?

There are two recognized Pennsylvania competition organizations that run parallel Regaional and State Championship 

How Long is the Wrestling Season?

Season length depends on the specific program. 

Little Panthers (pre-K & K) offered in 2x 8 week programs starting in early November and ending just before the Holiday break. The 2nd session starts in January and ends mid-February.

Our 1st - 2nd and 3rd - 6th Grade season generally begins early November each year, and ends for non-competing wrestlers in late February, and those participating in State qualifying tournaments finish in mid-late March.

What Equipment Do We Need?

For practice, comfortable short sleeve shirt and shorts is recommended.  Please bring a water bottle also. 

Wrestling shoes are encouraged but not required for practice, but is required for competitions. If you don't have shoes, socks such as those given at trampoline parks with grips on the bottom work great.  

We also have a small collection of donated shoes from past wrestlers if you'd like to see if a pair fits your child. Ask a coach at practice and we'll show you what we've got.

Headgear is also encouraged during live wrestling in practice and for those competing, but not required. It is however required for the State qualifier tournaments.

Those competing will be provided a USC Singlet, which is included in the registration fee for all 1-6th grade participants.

Practice tend to be physitcally demanding, and bulky sweatshirts, and Jerseys (football, hockey, etc.) are discouraged due to the material.

Please also leave jewelry such as earrings and necklaces at home so they do not get broken or lost when asked to remove.

How are Competitions Organized?

Wrestling competitions / most tournaments pair up wrestlers athletes by age, weight, and experience level. 

Wrestlers will register for Tournaments by:

Age bracket: Typically in 2 year increments (i.e. Under 6, 7 & 8 year olds, 9 & 10 year olds, 11 & 12 years olds)

Weight Class: Typically in 5 lb increments, i.e. 50 lbs, 55 lbs, 60 lbs.

Class / Experience Level: 

• Novice: Wrestlers in their first 2 seasons competing in live matches with a referee

• Open: Wrestlers with 2 or more years experience competing in live wrestling matches / events

Some tournaments provide other age or experience level options, such as:

• Odd Age: While most age brackets have and even-age as the oldest in the grouping, odd-age gives the 7, 9, 11, and 13 year olds a chance to be the oldest in their brackets

• Super Novice - Allows wrestlers within their first 3 years of wrestling experience, instead of the typical 2 for Novice, to participate in the same bracket.

• First year Only - As it sounds, this is for those who are in their first season of wrestling in competitive matches

Basics of Wrestling: Positions & Scoring

Pennsylvania Youth Wrestling Website - A great website detailing upcoming local and PA-wide wrestling competitions!

Local Wrestling Clubs - We are fortunate to have multiple high quality wrestling clubs int he area for those who seek extra training and advanced coaching.  

• South Hills Wrestling Academy
• Indiodojo

Speak to the coaches if you wish to learn more about these programs.

How Wrestling Created the BEST NFL Players (YouTube video)

Forbes - Why Wrestlers Make The Best Employees (YouTube video)

The Chance to Wrestle - Girls Wrestling in PA (PBS Special)

• Trailer
• Full Documentary