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2024-2025 in review

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    Located in decatur Illinois

    Our Vision

    Our Experience

    Our Experience

    At Decatur Lakers Wrestling Club, we believe that wrestling is more than just a sport – it's a way of life. Our vision is to inspire the next generation of  community leaders, wrestlers, and fans, and to create a lasting legacy in the Decatur community.


    Our boys and girls grades Pre-K to 8th, get to learn the fundamentals of folk style wrestling. Through fun, and engaging practices we create an atmosphere that our participants want to be in. 

    Our Experience

    Our Experience

    Our Experience

    Our youth coaching experience has over 20 years of experience that span 3 states and date back to 2000. Each coach is certified through USA Wrestling (USAW), and we proudly have a USAW Teal certified coach on staff, specializing in female athletes. Our coaches personal backgrounds consists of a certified personal trainer with a specialization in sport nutrition, a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum Instruction, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for all participants. For verification, our USA Wrestling Organization ID is 2400149502.

    Our Community

    Our Experience

    Our Community

    At Decatur Lakers Wrestling Club, we believe that wrestling is at its best when it brings people together. Our community is made up of passionate wrestling fans and talented wrestlers who share a love for the sport. We welcome everyone to join us and be a part of our growing community. 


     By being members of USA Wrestling and the I.K.W.F. we provide the opportunity for our kids to compete at both the local and national levels.

    Origins and Objectives

    Founded in 2024, the Decatur Lakers Wrestling Club is a nonprofit focused on developing youth through wrestling, led by founder Mark Glause. Our mission is to empower young athletes by promoting core values, healthy habits, and skill development in a structured program. We maintain inclusive pricing to ensure accessibility for all participants.

    We build a strong community of parents, participants, and local partners while emphasizing respect and teamwork. Wrestling at our club teaches valuable life skills, including responsibility, resilience, leadership, self-defense, and nutritional awareness.

    Our coaching philosophy combines fun and effective training, making practices engaging and inspiring. By incorporating interactive drills and team-building activities, we create an environment where athletes develop a passion for wrestling while enhancing their skills.

    Join us in shaping well-rounded champions, both on and off the mat.


    For more information, email DECATURLAKERS@GMAIL.COM

    Who:

    The anchor in our logo represents hope, steadfastness, and composure. By placing the anchor at the heart of our emblem, we signal to our wrestlers and fans that the Lakers will remain resilient in both victory and defeat.


    Lake Decatur, a stunning feature of our city, is proudly highlighted in our logo as it cradles the anchor. As Illinois' largest artificial lake, Lake Decatur spans 2,800 acres with 30 miles of scenic shoreline. It offers a range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, sailing, and jet skiing. Surrounding Nelson Park Marina, you'll find miniature golf, a water park, an amphitheater, dining options, public gardens, and picnic areas, making Lake Decatur a vibrant hub for outdoor enjoyment and community gatherings. 

    Ways to Help

    Sponsor a kid

    General Donation

    General Donation

    When you sponsor a child, you will change a child’s future. Sponsoring children gives them opportunities to grow, learn and reach their potential. Your
    support of $250 will provide USAW coverage, club membership of up to 80 hours of instructional time, IKWF post season fees, shoes, and headgear!!!

    Sponsor

    General Donation

    General Donation

    General Donation

    From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous contribution. Through your assistance you are helping to change the future.   





    Give Here

    Decatur Lakers Wrestling Club upcoming events schedule

    Winter Season

    A full list of I.K.W.F. events, or more information on club scheduled events can be found here.

    https://www.ikwf.org/ikwf-events/

    November

    November 10

    Millikin Youth Open

    Decatur Indoor Sports Complex

    Event Flyer

    December

    December 1

    Meet in the Middle

    Lanphier High School
    1300 N. 11th St.
    Springfield, IL

    Registration


    December 8

    Railer Rumble

    Lincoln Community High School

    Lincoln, IL

    Registration


    December 14 

    Mattoon Beginners Tournament

    Mattoon High School
    2501 Walnut Ave
    Mattoon, IL 

    Wrestlers entering first or second year

    of experience, with no returning

     sectional qualifiers.

    Register


    December 21

    Edwardsville Open

    Edwardsville High School

    Edwardsville, IL

    Girls Division Available

    Register


    NO PRACTICES THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS


    December 28 and 29th

    BYE WEEK

    January

    January 5 Rescheduled

    Monticello Youth Open

    Monticello Middle School

    Monticello, IL

    Register


    January 12th

    Mt. Zion Kids Club Open

    Mt. Zion High School

    Mt. Zion, IL

    Register


    January 19th

    Jon Davis Kids Open

    Bank of Springfield Center

    Springfield, IL

    Girls Division Available

    No coaching allowed on floor

    Event Registration/Information Link


    January 26

    Battle of Ragnarok

    Coal CIty High School

    Coal CIty, IL

    Event Flyer

    Registration

    Girls Division Available

    February

    February 2

    Metamora Kids Club Tournament

    Metamora Township High School
    101 West Madison Street
    Metamora, IL


    February 8 & 9

    BYE WEEK


    February 15

    O'Fallon Panther Pummel and Ali Guitierrez Memorial Girls Tournament

    O'Fallon Township High School
    600 South Smiley Street
    O'Fallon, IL

    Register


    February 16th==

    Monticello Youth Open

    Monticello Middle School

    Monticello, IL

    Register


    February 23rd Regionals @ Mattoon


    Check emails for sectional practice schedule

    March

    March 1

    I.K.W.F. Sectionals 

    Champaign Central High School

    610 W. University

    8:00 am wrestling begin time


    March 6, 7, & 8

    I.K.W.F. State Tournament (MUST Qualify For)

    Peoria Civic Center

    Peoria, IL


    Club Potluck

    March 15th

    2:00-4:00pm

    Central Christian Church

    650 W. William St

    Decatur, IL


    March 27th - March 30th

    Midwest Nationals (Open to all wrestlers) 

    Buffalo County Fairgrounds

    Kearney, NE

    Girls Division Available

    Event Link Here

    April - Off

    May - June - Spring Wrestling Details Coming Soon

    2024-2025 SEASON PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE FOLLOWING:

    Connect With Us

    501(c)(3) Public INformation

    Tax Forms

    Meet the Decatur Lakers Wrestling Club Board of Directors

    Mark Glause

    Kaitlin Glause

    Kaitlin Glause

    Executive Director

    President

    Kaitlin Glause

    Kaitlin Glause

    Kaitlin Glause

    Vice President

    Alvin Jackson

    Kaitlin Glause

    Vice President

    Brent McHugh

    Secretary/Treasurer

    Louis Kappler

    Louis Kappler

    Tony Holly

    Louis Kappler

    Copyright © 2025 Decatur Lakers - All Rights Reserved.

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