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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.

Registrations are open, sign up now!

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.




Origins and Objectives

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.

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


November 26 No Practice

November 27 No Practice

November 29 No Practice

December

December 1

Meet in the Middle

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

Registration


December 3rd: Practice Stephen Decatur Middle School Auditorium

December 4th: Wednesday Warriors MacArthur Wrestling Room (By coaches invite only)

December 6th: Practice Stephen Decatur Middle School Auditorium


December 8

Railer Rumble

Lincoln Community High School

Lincoln, IL

Registration


December 10th Practice MacArthur Wrestling Room

December 11th: Wednesday Warriors MacArthur Wrestling Room (By coaches invite only)

December 13th: Practice Stephen Decatur Middle School Auditorium


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 17th: Practice Stephen Decatur Middle School Auditorium

December 18th: Wednesday Warriors MacArthur Wrestling Room (By coaches invite only)

December 20th: Practice Stephen Decatur Middle School Auditorium


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

NO PRACTICE DEC 31st

NO PRACTICE JAN 1st

January 3rd Practice TBD


January 5

Monticello Youth Open

Monticello Middle School

Monticello, IL

Register


January 12

Mt. Zion Kids Club Open

Mt. Zion High School

Mt. Zion, IL

Register


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

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 & 16

To Be Determined


February 22 and 23

I.K.W.F. Regionals

TBD

March

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

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

Alvin Jackson

Vice President

Brent McHugh

Louis Kappler

Alvin Jackson

Secretary/Treasurer

Louis Kappler

Louis Kappler

Louis Kappler

Tony Holly

Louis Kappler

Louis Kappler

Copyright © 2024 Decatur Lakers - All Rights Reserved.

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