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 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.
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.
Season operates from November to March.
Please email decaturlakers@gmail.com if you would like to sign up.
A summer program will be available in 2025 for May and June.
Founded in 2024, the Decatur Lakers Wrestling Club is a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing champions in life. Spearheaded by founder Mark Glause, our mission is to empower youth through a structured wrestling program grounded in core values, unwavering commitment, healthy habits, and comprehensive skills development.
We are dedicated to providing this transformative experience at an inclusive cost, ensuring accessibility for all. Engaging in sports significantly reduces the likelihood of youth involvement in illegal activities such as substance abuse and crime. Moreover, students participating in after-school programs typically demonstrate enhanced academic performance.
Our objective is to foster a strong community among parents, participants, and local stakeholders, including law enforcement and educators, while instilling respect and camaraderie. At the Decatur Lakers Wrestling Club, we believe that wrestling is more than a sport; it is a vehicle for cultivating essential life skills. These include personal responsibility, mental and emotional resilience, leadership, self-defense, nutritional awareness, and a readiness to explore new experiences.
At Decatur Lakers Wrestling Club, we believe that coaching goes beyond teaching techniques and strategies—it’s about making the journey enjoyable and inspiring. Our approach to coaching integrates fun into every practice, ensuring that athletes not only develop their wrestling skills but also enjoy the process.
By incorporating engaging drills, interactive games, and team-building activities, we create an environment where learning is both effective and enjoyable. This blend of fun and focused training fosters a positive atmosphere, encourages consistent participation, and helps wrestlers build a genuine passion for the sport.
We understand that the best results come from a place of enthusiasm and excitement. That's why our coaching philosophy emphasizes a balance of hard work and enjoyment, making each practice a dynamic experience where athletes can thrive and grow.
Join us in our mission to develop young boys and girls into well-rounded champions and discover how our engaging and effective coaching can transform their wrestling experience, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport.
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.
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!!!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous contribution. Through your assistance you are helping to change the future.
A full list of I.K.W.F. events, or more information on club scheduled events can be found here.
November 10
Millikin Youth Open
Decatur Indoor Sports Complex
November 19 Practice Stephen Decatur Middle School Auditorium
November 20 Wednesday Warriors MacArthur Wrestling Room (By coaches invite only)
November 22 Practice Stephen Decatur Middle School Auditorium
November 26 No Practice
November 27 No Practice
November 29 To Be Determined
November 30 (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
Steve Montez Tournament
St. Thomas Moore High School
Champaign, IL
For all Girls
For Beginners Boys Only
December 1
Meet in the Middle
Lanphier High School
1300 N. 11th St.
Springfield, IL
December 8 (Registration Closed)
Railer Rumble
Lincoln Community High School
Lincoln, IL
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.
December 21
Edwardsville Open
Edwardsville High School
Edwardsville, IL
Girls Division Available
December 28 and 29th
BYE WEEK
January 5
Monticello Youth Open
Monticello Middle School
Monticello, IL
January 12
Mt. Zion Kids Club Open
Mt. Zion High School
Mt. Zion, IL
January 18th
Jon Davis Weigh Ins
January 19th
Jon Davis Kids Open
Bank of Springfield Center
Springfield, IL
Girls Division Available
No coaching allowed on floor
January 26
Battle of Ragnarok
Joliet West High School Fieldhouse
401 N. Larkin Ave.
Joliet, IL
Girls Division Available
February 2
Metamora Kids Club Tournament
Metamora Township High School
101 West Madison Street
Metamora, IL
February 8 & 9
BYE WEEK
February 15 & 16
To Be Determined
February 22 and 23
I.K.W.F. Regionals
TBD
March 1
I.K.W.F. Sectionals (MUST Qualify For)
TBD
March 6, 7, & 8
I.K.W.F. State Tournament (MUST Qualify For)
Peoria Civic Center
Peoria, IL
Club Potluck
Location and Time T.B.D.
End of March Date T.B.D. (Typically last weekend)
Midwest Nationals (Open to all wrestlers)
Buffalo County Fairgrounds
Kearney, NE
Girls Division Available
Executive Director
President
Vice President
Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
Copyright © 2024 Decatur Lakers - All Rights Reserved.
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